Shining a light on Waimate's finest
From left: Raewyn Francis (Chair of the Waimate District Civic Awards Committee), John Begg (Individual), Janice Mehrtens (Individual), Mayor Craig Rowley, Mavis Andrew representing Friends of Knottingley Park (Group/Organisation), Catherine Nichol (Youth) and Sandra Coles (Individual).
The prestigious annual Waimate District Civic Awards, held last night, celebrated unsung heroes who work tirelessly and selflessly for their community.
Mayor Craig Rowley said the awards are now into their 10th year and over that time 43 individuals, five young people and four groups have been recognised for their work in the community – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
“In a small district like Waimate our volunteers are important, and make the district such a special place to live and work.”
Mayor Rowley claimed there are 184 clubs, groups and organisations operating in Waimate.
The Civic Awards criteria limits the awards to a maximum of no more than four individual, one youth recipient and one group or organisation each year, and the successful recipients must have carried out significant and meritorious voluntary community service within the Waimate district.
John Begg, Sandra Coles, Janice Mehrtens and Warren Herron are recipients of the Individual Civic Award. Unfortunately, Warren Herron was unable to be present at the function so he will receive his award at a special function early next month.
This year’s Youth Civic Award was presented to Catherine Nichol by Royal NZ Navy Lieutenant Commander Grant Finlayson.
The recipient of the Group/Organisation category, ‘Friends of Knottingley Park’, were acknowledged for their outstanding work over the last 25 years.
Mayor Rowley commented there was a high number and calibre of nominations received for this year’s awards and he hopes the unsuccessful nominators try again next year.
He acknowledged the work of the Selection Committee, whose make up is drawn from community and service clubs, Council and local Iwi.
