Our community champions
The Clutha District Council announced the winners of the 2025 Clutha Community Service Awards last Wednesday to honour the groups and individuals who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in their community.
Presented at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au, Clutha District War Memorial and Community Centre (TPŌMA), the Supreme Award went to Clutha Community Hub Charitable Trust and Committee.
"This a great opportunity for our district to acknowledge the passion and pride people put into their community," Mayor Bryan Cadogan said.
"Communities are defined by their champions who drive projects and make real differences that we all benefit from."
Formed in 2016, the Hub Charitable Trust and Committee were formed with "a goal to develop a place to celebrate local identity and heritage, and bring people together to connect, grow, and thrive".
The resulting TPŌMA civic centre is "a facility that pays tribute to the past while boldly embracing the future".
Other groups acknowledged for their contribution this year included Clutha Budget Advisory Service, Lawrence Creative Arts, Tapanui Toy Library and Milton Area Promotions.
Local individuals recognised for dedication and commitment to their communities included Benji Perry, Jess Paul, Geoff Blackmore and Elizabeth Jenkinson.
Year 13 students who demonstrated "great volunteer mahi" were recognised with Youth Spirit award, given this year to Annaliese Bisset and Maddie Grinton.
"The awards remind us of the remarkable generosity, dedication, and heart that exists within our communities," council's community support and development adviser Lilly Paterson said.
"It was a privilege to celebrate the individuals, students, and groups whose tireless volunteer work often goes unnoticed, yet has such a lasting impact. These are the people who make Clutha a stronger, more connected place to live — and we are proud to acknowledge and thank them," Ms Paterson said.
Each community group winner received $1000, and the supreme winner received an additional $2000.
Keep reading future editions of the Clutha Leader for a closer look at this year's hard-working winners and details of their impact on the area.
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