A group in the tiny township of Glenorchy has claimed the top prize in the 2008 TrustPower Queenstown Lakes District Community Awards, presented last night in Queenstown.
The Glenorchy School Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) won the Supreme Award, receiving a framed certificate, a trophy and $1500.
The Glenorchy School PTFA will represent the district at the 2008 TrustPower National Community Awards in the Palmerston North and Tararua districts next March.
Faced with declining numbers and the prospect of becoming a one-teacher school, the PTFA came up with a solution: advertising (successfully) for a new family on Trade Me.
TrustPower community relations representative Melanie Gray said the school had the association to thank for the rise in the student roll from 17 to 33 since August 2007.
"The three women involved in the PTFA are absolute dynamos. They are an asset to Glenorchy School, and have really gone above and beyond," Miss Gray said.
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Clive Geddes said volunteers were a special group of people who kept the community functioning through their selfless devotion to the cause or organisation they supported.
"The lakes district is a demanding place to live, and the efforts of volunteers in our district deserve the support of the whole community - because it takes a very special commitment to give up your personal time for the benefit of others," Mr Geddes said.
In total, TrustPower gave away $5250 to various community groups through last night's awards, with 27 groups nominated for honours.
Other winners were:
• Heritage and Environment: Makarora Rural Fire Force (winner); Glenorchy Rural Fire Force (runner-up); Lakes District Museum Board (commendation).
• Health and Well Being: Wanaka Rotary Club (winner); Wakatipu Community Church (runner-up); Wanaka Cancer Society Support Group (commendation).
• Arts and Culture: Upper Clutha A&P Society (winner); Queenstown Shakespeare Trust (runner-up).
• Sport and Leisure: Wanaka Rowing Club (winner); New Zealand Nordic Sports Development Association (runner-up).
• Educational and Child/Youth Development: Mount Aspiring College (winner); Frankton Playcentre (runner-up).
