Community awards celebrate Clutha community volunteers

Individual awards were presented to Evan Dick, Edward Fitzgerald, Pam Keddell, Graham Walker, Jill Wallace and Hans Van Der Linden in acknowledgement of their community service to the district.

Clutha District Council Mayor Bryan Cadogan said the event was an evening to celebrate our community champions.

“These people put in tireless hours of their volunteer time to support and make improvements to their communities.

We are just so appreciative of what they have achieved and continue to achieve for Clutha,” Mayor Cadogan said.

Other groups presented with awards in the various categories included:

- Te Whare Puawai o Tokomairiro Inc - health and well-being

- Lovells Flat Women’s Institute – heritage and environment

- Tokomairiro Toy Library – arts and culture

- Tokomairiro Junior Netball Club – leisure and recreation

- West Otago Rural Kids – educational and youth

Winning recipients in each of the Community Group categories received $1,000 and the Supreme Winner received $2,000.

Year 13 Blue Mountain College student Sven Captijn was the successful recipient of the Youth Spirit Award for his outstanding contribution to his school and community and was presented with $750.

A high calibre award was presented to Ryan Williams and Charlotte Benington (South Otago High School), and Elizabeth Lamb (Blue Mountain College).

Community Award Recipients

Individual award winners (alphabetical order)

Evan Dick

Council is proud to honour Evan Dick who is a dedicated community leader in Kaitangata. His efforts to revitalize the town have gained international recognition. In 2016, he initiated a Land House Package deal to encourage people to buy sections in Kaitangata and build their own homes, which became viral, and Evan personally purchased and cleared sections. With the support of Sir Stephen Tindall's $800,000 loan in 2020, he established the Kaitangata Housing Trust. As the trust chairperson, Evan has been leading the development to construct 10 houses within 3-4 years. His success has inspired other towns in the Clutha District to consider similar projects.

Evan's involvement in community development extends beyond housing. He served on the Board of Trustees at Kaitangata Primary School from 2001 to 2007. In 2011, he played a key role in envisioning and building the new Community Centre, which opened in 2019. Evan remains the Chairperson of the Kaitangata Community Centre Charitable Trust, overseeing its operations and maintenance.

Additionally, Evan has contributed to the growth of the Crescent Bar and Grill, encouraged the establishment of a petrol and diesel tank operation, and volunteered for the construction and expansion of the Skate Park. He is a member of the Kaitangata Pool Committee and helps advise as they work towards the safety and integrity of the pool’s future and the goal of the committee taking ownership and management of the pool from the Council. Evan's tireless dedication is evident as he assists builders, negotiates with future homeowners, and can often be seen on his tractor unloading wood for builders.

Edward Fitzgerald

Council is proud to honour Edward Fitzgerald, also known as Eddie, for his outstanding dedication and contributions to the community. Eddie has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to various community groups and has consistently gone above and beyond to support their initiatives.

Here are some of his notable involvements:

Lawrence Rugby Football Club: Eddie has been an active participant and player in the Lawrence Rugby Football Club. He engages in off-field activities such as working bees to support the club.

Lawrence Heritage Trust: An active member and a generous sponsor of the Lawrence Heritage Trust helping to preserve and promote the historical significance of Lawrence.

Gabriel Gully 150th Celebrations Committee/Lawrence Borough Council (2010-11): Eddie actively participated in the Gabriel Gully 150th Celebrations committee and served as a member of the Lawrence Borough Council in the late 1980s.

Lawrence Rodeo Club: Eddie holds the esteemed position of a founding member of the Lawrence Rodeo Club, showcasing his long-standing commitment to this community organization. In 2014, he was honoured with a life membership for his dedication and contributions.

Tuapeka Lawrence Community Company (2008-2023): Eddie has been involved with the Tuapeka Lawrence Community Company for a significant period, serving as its chairman. Through his leadership, the company has worked towards the betterment of the community, fostering growth and development.

NZ Century Farm and Station Awards (2013-2023): Eddie has been associated with the NZ Century Farm and Station Awards for a decade, and in 2021, he took on the role of chairman. This prestigious awards program recognizes and celebrates the enduring farming heritage of New Zealand.

Pam Keddell

Council is proud to honour Pam Keddell for her outstanding contributions to the beautification of the Toko Golf Course. Over the past decade, Pam has dedicated herself to improving the aesthetics of the golf course, leaving a lasting impact for our community.

Pam's efforts have included planting gardens, maintaining seating areas, replanting trees, and sculpting to enhance the boundary lines of the golf course. Her dedication and hard work have resulted in the club grounds being enjoyed throughout the South Otago district.

Pam is part of a great team that has been working diligently to maintain and enhance the beautification program, which was initiated more than 50 years ago. Her tireless efforts to keep the grounds free from weeds and maintain the gardens have significantly contributed to the overall beauty of the golf course.

Pam's commitment to creating a visually appealing and enjoyable environment for golfers and visitors is truly commendable. Her passion and dedication to the golf course serve as an inspiration to others.

Jill Wallace

Council is proud to honour Jill Wallace for her outstanding contribution to the Otago community hospice. She is a stand-out supporter as a volunteer collecting on street appeal days plus growing and selling pot plants. Jill's dedication and efforts have resulted in the generous donations, which will greatly benefit the hospice and its important work.

Jill's commitment to the community and her green thumb skills have made a significant impact on the Otago community hospice. The funds raised from the sale of these pot plants will help the Otago community hospice continue to provide compassionate care and support to those in need.

Jill's efforts exemplify the power of community involvement and the positive change that can be achieved through individual initiatives. Her dedication to making a difference in the lives of others is truly commendable, and we are proud to honour her for her remarkable work.

Graham Walker

Council is proud to honour Graham Walker for his exceptional dedication and long-term involvement in numerous organizations in West Otago.

A devoted member of the West Otago A&P Society for an impressive duration from 1976 to 2008. He served as president in 1990 and was awarded a life membership in 2008, highlighting his enduring commitment to the society.

Graham's involvement with the Heriot Collie Club is equally noteworthy. Having served as a committee member since the mid-70s and earning a life membership in 2003.

Graham is committee member of the Moa Flat Rural Water Scheme, after joining in 1990. He has been a committee member on the Parkhill Recreation Reserve Board since 1979 and chairman since 1986.

Graham's active membership in the West Otago Lions since 1991, where he served as treasurer from 1998 to 2016, further exemplifies his commitment to community service. His involvement in this organization has positively impacted the lives of many through various charitable initiatives.

Furthermore, Graham's extensive tenure as a committee member of the West Otago St John for over 32 years demonstrates his unwavering dedication to providing essential medical services to the community. His involvement as a member of the St John and his instrumental role in completing the new West Otago St John Building, which opened in February 2023, exemplify his commitment to the welfare and well-being of others.

Graham's willingness to actively participate, especially during working bees, showcases his exceptional level of commitment to these organizations and their respective causes.

Hans Van Der Linden

Council is proud to honour Hans Van Der Linden for his incredible contribution to the West Otago community.

Hans's involvement with the West Otago Theatrical Society (WOTS) dates back to 1989, and he remains an active member to this day. His commitment to WOTS has been exceptional, serving as a committee member from 1994 to 2008 and holding key positions such as Chairperson in 1997-1998 and Treasurer from 2000 to 2008. His dedication and leadership have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in the ongoing success of WOTS.

In addition to his involvement with WOTS, Hans has been an indispensable member of the West Otago Community Centre (WOCC) since 2007, serving as a committee member and Treasurer. His attention to detail has contributed significantly to the smooth operation of WOCC and its ability to serve the needs of residents in West Otago.

Hans's involvement with the West Otago Health Trust (WOHT) is nothing short of exemplary. Joining as a Trustee in 2010, he assumed the role of Treasurer until 2019 and subsequently served as Chairperson from 2019 to 2020. Throughout his tenure, Hans played a vital role in the planning and financial management of the trust. His unwavering dedication and astute financial stewardship were instrumental in the successful realization of the George and Caroline Edgar Memorial Building, a state-of-the-art healthcare facility and rest home in Tapanui.

Moreover, Hans's commitment to the West Otago Health Trust has extended beyond his roles as Trustee and Chairperson. He has continued to serve as Treasurer even after the trust transitioned into West Otago Health Limited (WOHT), where he now holds the position of Director.

His skills as a financial manager, ensuring timely payments, managing cashflows with precision, and providing invaluable governance expertise. Furthermore, Hans's willingness to roll up his sleeves and contribute physically, whether it be painting, cleaning, or any other necessary task, reflects his dedication and commitment to the community.

Hans is loyal, jovial, passionate and committed to his community ensuring the ongoing success of not just one, but multiple organisations in the community of West Otago.

Youth Spirit Award

Charlotte Benington – High Calibre

Elizabeth Lamb – High Calibre

Ryan Williams – High Calibre

Sven Captijn - overall winner

Sven's true community spirit is evident by his enthusiasm and leadership at school. Deputy head boy at Blue Mountain College he has been an active volunteer for the library and in the past two years with the school’s Breakfast Club which provides food for kids before they start their day of learning. He makes the kids feel welcome, included and if anything is needed, Sven will volunteer immediately and get it done.

With a keen interest in the arts, he has operated sound and lighting for West Otago Theatrical Society along with the school’s performing arts events and shows. His hunger to learn meant he was happy to watch and learn from older students but is now running the sound singlehandedly while also tutoring younger students as well.

Sven was selected in 2021 to attend National Youth Drama school in Hastings - and due to a covid cancellation - finally got to attend this past Easter.

Sven has been part of foundational work towards developing the eSports club at school. He has taken a leadership role of this group organising the students, running team trials and encouraging students to do their best. He runs full practices and organise the teams for games against other teams.

He was a true inspiration at the recent BMC Cross Country. A positive role model for students of all ages he ran the race himself with an assortment of students keeping them entertained, positive and running. Sven also went back out and encouraged all students to finish the race with a flourish of speed. He made this event enjoyable for all students whether they liked to run or not.

Group award winners

Health and Wellbeing

Te Whare Puawai o Tokomairaro Inc

Te Whare Puawai o Tokomairaro Inc is being honoured by the Council for providing a shared community space, promoting education, support, and cultural expression.

Te Whare Puawai has established a shared, hired community facility/whare for all the people of Tokomairaro and surrounding areas. It provides a place of gathering that brings whānau and their communities, businesses, and societies together to guide and support key initiatives. A community facility/whare where knowledge/matauranga can be passed on to our future generations and where learning can be had.

Previously, there was a lack of a permanent hub for whānau activities, but the trust successfully purchased a property to fulfil this vision. The Spenser Street whare caters to diverse nationalities and hosts various activities, such as enabling whānau to caucus, train and to develop cohesion through hui. The space can also be used to host tangihanga, kapa-haka / mau rakau practices, children’s birthday celebrations, kaumatua afternoon teas, whānau group conferences, strengthening families hui, and supervised access with parents and tamariki through Oranga Tamariki and the Courts. The space is for the community and its functions will adapt to the ever-changing needs of our community - relying on volunteers and funding from organizations to support its initiatives.

The Board employs individuals to run the weekly playgroup and relies on one person to oversee the maintenance and running of the whare, a huge asset to the Tokomairaro Community.

Recreation and Leisure

Tokomairaro Junior Netball Club

Council is proud to honour Tokomairaro Junior Netball Club for their work to provide a club that is safe and supportive environment for young girls to develop their netball skills, build lasting friendships and promote teamwork and sportsmanship. Formed in April 2022 with a small but very passionate committee working tirelessly to establish the club and put all the necessary structures in place, including recruiting coaches, securing sponsorship and setting up training sessions for players to ensure the season could get off to a great start in May.

Although they faced some challenges along the way, they were determined to ensure that the junior netball program continued in our community. In the last 12 months there has already been a great response from local families and players, adding an additional team to the 2023 season. They worked with local businesses and fund raised to purchase new uniforms for our players.

The club has already seen an uptake in the number of children engaging in netball, leading to an additional team for the 2023 season. Feedback from parents and caregivers was that they noticed an improvement in their children’s confidence, skill and fitness as a result of participating in the program. The newly sponsored medal and trophies have made a significant impact on the children by helping to boost their confidence and making them feel included in the club and recognized for their efforts.

Heritage and Environment

Lovells Flat Women’s Institute

Council is proud to honour the Lovells Flat Women's Institute for their dedication and hard work in maintaining the sod cottage and promoting local history. By keeping the cottage clean and tidy, mowing lawns, and tending to the gardens, they are contributing to the preservation of an important historical site.

Their efforts to put Lovells Flat on the map and attract tourists through promoting local history are commendable. Projects like this have a significant impact on the community by fostering a sense of togetherness and pride. By working together on a common goal, the Women's Institute is not only preserving an important piece of history but also strengthening the bonds within the community.

Their commitment to maintaining the sod cottage and promoting local history serves as an inspiration for others. It is through such community-driven initiatives that the heritage and culture of a place can be preserved and shared with visitors. The Lovells Flat Women's Institute's efforts will undoubtedly contribute to the appreciation and understanding of the area's rich history.

Arts and Culture

Tokomairaro Toy Library

Council is proud to honour Tokomairaro Toy Library for providing a community resource for families with young children to access high-quality toys and educational resources. The library’s goal is to promote learning through play and support parents and caregivers in providing a variety of age appropriate toys and games for their children. Additionally, the library aims to foster a sense of community by providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where families can connect with each other and share their experiences of parenting and early childhood development.

The Tokomairaro Toy Library is committed to ensuring that services are accessible to all families in the community, regardless of their socio-economic situation. They understand that some families may struggle to afford the cost of membership and have taken steps to keep our fees low and make them as affordable as possible. To achieve this goal, they have engaged in various fundraising activities and have also applied for grants meaning we can maintain low membership fees and ensure that families from all backgrounds can benefit from our toy library services.

They believe that access to quality toys and educational resources is essential for all children’s development, and we are committed to making this accessible to as many families as possible. Having partnered with several community groups, like the Southern Dance and Te Ahi Ora fire performing group they are also able to provide a space to hold their events or practices at an affordable rental and also providing the local netball club and blessed box a place to store equipment.

Educational and Youth

West Otago Rural Kids

Council is proud to honour West Otago Rural Kids for their dedication to providing affordable and enriching experiences for children in the district. Formerly known as Dunrobin Cubs, the group decided to become independent due to the significant increase in national levy fees. In response, West Otago Rural Kids Incorporated was formed after careful planning and obtaining the necessary paperwork.

West Otago Rural Kids continues to uphold the same ethos and values. The group currently has 29 members aged between 8 and 11 from Heriot, Tapanui, Waikoikoi, and surrounding areas. Their role has been expanding over the past few years.

The organization provides children with opportunities to experience outdoor adventures, interact with others, gain confidence, and reach their full potential. They offer fortnightly sessions during school term time, supported by dedicated volunteer leaders. The activities include tire tubing the Pomahaka River, basic first aid training, rubbish collecting, biking, cooking, hiking, and more. They also engage in community service, such as delivering pinecones, apples, and swedes to senior community members in winter with the West Otago Lions.

To fund their running costs, West Otago Rural Kids participates in various fundraising activities. One such activity is a day of crutching hoggets, which serves as a team-building experience for both children and parents while teaching the value of hard work. They also ran a popular car wash in Tapanui. These fundraising activities help keep membership fees affordable for all children in the district and cover repairs and maintenance for their Den, located in the old bowling club in Heriot.

One of the highlights of the year is the W.O.R.K camp, held annually on the last weekend of November. The camp takes place at a different location each year on a three-year rotation. It is the culmination of the children's learning throughout the year, focusing on survival techniques, cooking, fire lighting, firearm safety, first aid, confidence courses, and teamwork. The camp provides a fun and challenging experience for the children, and it serves as a farewell event for the year six W.O.R.K members.

SUPREME WINNER

Waihola Looking Forward

Congratulations to Waihola Looking Forward on the successful completion of the Waihola Playground Redevelopment Project! This community-led initiative, officially opened on Sunday, has revitalized the Waihola Community and district, focusing on economic, social, and cultural growth.

The project involved the redevelopment of the existing lakefront playground site, including the replacement of aged equipment.

In addition to the playground redevelopment, ongoing improvements such as the 'Picnic Corner' and carpark landscaping are currently in progress. These enhancements will further improve the beautiful lake views, water activities, and the adjacent cycle/walkway entrance, complementing the overall project.

Waihola Looking Forward, an Incorporated Society consisting of 12-15 voluntary members, has played a crucial role in driving and leading the project under the leadership of Chairman Grant McDonnell. However, the project's success would not have been possible without the significant contribution of the wider community volunteers who participated in "Working Bee" events.

The Waihola Playground Redevelopment Project is part of Waihola Looking Forward's commitment to working with residents and the Clutha District Council on sustainable initiatives. The newly developed playground will be a popular attraction, with people stopping by to enjoy the lake, utilise the playground amenities, or simply take a break from their day. As the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail extension from Lawrence to Waihola nears completion, the lakefront is expected to attract a significant increase in visitors, further enhancing the community's economic prospects.

The project features several unique elements, including a wooden paddle steamer named Betsy Douglas, which replicates the first paddle steamer built in Otago in the 1870s. This historical feature highlights the ferrying of Chinese gold miners across the lake to Gabriel's Gully and beyond. Another notable addition is the face-to-face swing which allows an adult and infant to swing together on the same swing.

The new equipment colours are vibrant and will be complimented by the future addition of fragrant gardens, a 'sunflower walk' and history boards. Together this will all contribute to a unique ‘Destination Playground” facility.

Throughout the project processes and, as a group of volunteers, they have developed not only the resilience of the community, but also the health & wellbeing potential of the wider Waihola District community.