In 2019, Clutha District Council launched its own community service awards, after Trustpower stepped away from its national awards programme.
The event came up for discussion during Thursday’s corporate and property committee meeting at the council in Balclutha, as organisers sought to finalise details of date and venue.
Traditionally, the event has taken place at different Balclutha venues during Volunteer Week, which takes place from June 18 to 24 this year.
However, councillors were asked for recommendations for an alternative venue for the awards ceremony.
Council corporate services administrator Lilly Paterson said changing to a different venue could be undertaken as a trial for future years.
"The awards night is normally held in Balclutha, as it’s the most central location for the district.
"If we held it elsewhere, where might that be, considering factors such as winter weather conditions, and if there’s a venue large enough to hold the awards?"
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan expressed a wish to see the event held in Balclutha’s new Clutha Community Hub, due to be opened later this year.
"This is our pre-eminent event as a district, so to hold it in August or September when the hub is open would be very special for our volunteers, and for the community as a whole."
Some councillors said fixing a date for the an awards event at the hub was impossible at this stage, given a date for its opening could not be guaranteed.
Cr Gaynor Finch offered her support to the idea, but Cr Bruce Graham said he could not support the hub as a venue.
"I can’t support that, as more and more events seem to be becoming centralised in Balclutha.
"We might as well rename ourselves the Balclutha District Council."
Following further discussion, it was noted West Otago had provided a disproportionate number of award winners during the event’s recent years.
Miss Paterson said the West Otago Community Centre was available on June 20, during Volunteer Week.
Councillors voted unanimously to accept the new date and venue.
Nominations for the awards are now open, and close on April 28.
