‘A community is what you put into it’

The growth of the Southern District Arts Trust’s annual exhibition delights president Janice Broad.

About 800 people have been attending annually in recent years. The Waikawa Hall is the venue for the week-long exhibition of mixed-media art in late February and early March.

‘‘It’s been a thrill to see the exhibition grow over the years,’’ Broad said.

Her trust work is one of five volunteer roles she does in the Catlins; Broad is also a rural co- ordinator for the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day, on the Southland panel of the Creative Communities Funding Scheme, a Niagara Hall committee member and a Waikawa Museum worker.

The arts trust is holding its own version of the television programme Dancing with the Stars. Titled Dancing with the Locals, money raised from the event will be put in a trust fund for other activities in the district.

There will be an entry fee and Broad reckons about 10 couples will take to the dance floor at the Tokanui Hall on December 2. Dance teachers will be available to provide eight weeks of tuition for contestants.

Dancing with the Locals was a way people in the district could meet up and socialise, Broad said.

She and a team of helpers raised $5500 on Daffodil Day through donated goods and services being auctioned at the Tokanui Tavern. ‘‘It was a good community effort,’’ Broad said.

The Creative Communities Funding Scheme panel assesses grant applications from non-profit groups or individuals, including museums, dancers and painters.

Broad has lived in Tokanui all her life and is pleased to lend a hand with community events.

‘‘A community is what you put into it.

‘‘If you want to live in a good supportive community, you’ve got to contribute.’’