Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan said the event last Thursday was an evening to celebrate local champions.
"These people are out there taking great strides, helping achieve the ambitions and goals of their communities.
"We are just so appreciative of what they have achieved and continue to achieve for Clutha, and it is an honour to be presenting these awards and recognising their efforts," Mr Cadogan said.
The Clutha Gold Cycle Trail extension committee was the supreme winner of the group award, for the completion of the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail extension from Lawrence to Waihola, which officially opened in August 2023.
The extension project involved years of dedication and collaboration with various communities between Waihola and Lawrence.
The group’s outstanding efforts and ongoing maintenance of the trail has brought a new vibrancy to our district, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike and contributing to Clutha’s economic, social and cultural growth.
Other groups presented with awards in the various categories included:
Milton Elder Care Trust — for health and wellbeing (combined winner)
Special Olympics South Otago Trust — for health and wellbeing (combined winner)
Papatowai Forest Heritage Trust — for heritage and environment
Lawrence Domain Volunteer Group — for leisure and recreation
Balclutha Primary School whanau and school committee — for educational and child/youth development.
Winning recipients in each of the community group categories received $1000 and the supreme winner received $2000.
Combined winners’ prizes were shared.
The Youth Spirit Award was presented to two exemplary year 13 students, Anna Harrex of Lawrence Area School, and Ollie Shore of South Otago High School, as combined winners for their outstanding individual contributions to their schools and communities.
The prize of $750 was shared between the Youth Spirit Award recipients.
Individual awards were presented to Rachel and Ash Prasad, and Kevin Sutton, in recognition of their outstanding community service to the district.
The Clutha Leader will be interviewing and writing a profile on the winners in the coming weeks.
