Clutha District Community Service Awards 2025

The Clutha District Council is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Clutha Community Service Awards, honouring the exceptional individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in Clutha’s communities.

Clutha Community Hub Charitable Trust and Committee won the Supreme Award at the 2025 Clutha District Community Service Awards, held at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au last night (on Wednesday, 18 June).

Mayor Bryan Cadogan said the awards were an annual event recognising groups, individuals, and year 13 students in the community who have demonstrated great mahi volunteer work for the Clutha District.

“This a great opportunity for our district to acknowledge the passion and pride people put into their community.

“Communities are defined by their champions who drive projects and make real differences that we all benefit from,” Mayor Cadogan said.

Clutha Community Hub Charitable Trust and Committee were formed in 2016, this remarkable group set out with a bold goal: to develop a place where local identity is celebrated, where heritage is honoured, and where people come together to connect, grow, and thrive. What has emerged from that is the outstanding Te Pou Ō Mata-Au – Clutha District War Memorial and Community Centre — a facility that pays tribute to the past while boldly embracing the future.

The other groups acknowledged for their contribution this year include Lawrence Creative Arts (Arts & Culture), Clutha Budget Advisory Service (Health & Wellbeing), Tapanui Toy Library (Education/Youth Development), Milton Area Promotions (Heritage & Environment).

Individuals who have shown dedication and commitment to their communities include Benji Perry of Clinton, Jess Paul, Geoff Blackmore, Elizabeth Jenkinson, and Youth Spirit awards were given to Annaliese Bisset and Maddie Grinton.

Clutha District Council Community Support & Development Advisor Lilly Paterson said the awards reminded us of the remarkable generosity, dedication, and heart that exists within our communities.

“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.

Winning recipients in each of the Community Group areas receive $1,000 and the Supreme Winner of that group receives an additional $2,000.

Lawrence Creative Arts – Arts & Culture Award

This year’s Arts & Culture Award goes to Lawrence Creative Arts, a volunteer-led group whose creativity, dedication, and community spirit have brought colour, connection, and joy to their town.

Over the past 12 months, they’ve delivered an impressive programme of inclusive events and workshops – from weekly craft meetups that support mental wellbeing, to intergenerational sessions like tie-dyeing, puppet-making, soap and cheese making, and even a quirky “Franken-toy” workshop. Most activities are free or low-cost, ensuring everyone can take part.

They’ve celebrated culture through community favourites like Matariki and the Dead Rockers Ball, and have championed local talent through exhibitions and youth art competitions.

One of their most meaningful contributions has been the planting of over 5,000 daffodil bulbs across Lawrence – a beautiful, town-wide project made possible with support from the Lions Club and driven by volunteers.

Through art, Lawrence Creative Arts has created not just events, but opportunities – for learning, connection, and belonging. Their work is a shining example of the power of creativity to build a stronger, more connected community.

Clutha Budget Advisory Service – Health & Wellbeing Award

This year’s Health & Wellbeing Award goes to Clutha Budget Advisory Service (CBAS) – an organisation whose compassion, care, and practical support have made a lasting impact across the Clutha District.

Through their Food Hub, CBAS has distributed nearly 1,200 food parcels in the past year – an effort powered by just three part-time staff and a dedicated team of 11 volunteers, who together gave over 1,300 hours of service.

But CBAS is more than a food bank. It’s a place of dignity and connection – offering financial mentoring, cooking workshops for families, and community-building events like the annual Toot for Tucker food drive.

From one-on-one financial mentoring, to the warm welcome at the Food Hub, to district-wide initiatives like Toot for Tucker, CBAS strengthens not only households but the fabric of the entire community. Their work is essential, their volunteers are exceptional and their impact is truly inspiring.

Tapanui Toy Library - Educational & Child/Youth Development Award

This year’s Educational & Child/Youth Development Award goes to a group that has supported the early development of generations of children – the Tapanui Toy Library. For more than 30 years, this volunteer-run service has been providing families with affordable, high-quality educational toys and resources for children aged 0 to 7.

The Toy Library isn’t just a place to borrow toys — it’s a space where new families find connection, where young minds discover the joy of play, and where parents feel supported. It plays an especially important role in helping families new to the area feel welcomed and included.

This vital community resource runs entirely on the dedication of its volunteers. The team work together each week to maintain the library’s toys and equipment ensure the smooth running of daily operations. Without the Toy Library simply could not function. Their work ensures that this service is not only available today but will continue to support families well into the future.

The Tapanui Toy Library shows us that education doesn’t always start in the classroom — sometimes, it starts on the floor with a puzzle, a game, or a toy shared between a parent and child. Through play, they are helping to build strong minds, confident families, and connected communities.

Milton Area Promotions – Heritage & Environment Award

This year’s Heritage & Environment Award goes to a group whose commitment to enhancing community spaces and preserving local history has had a lasting impact on the town of Milton – Milton Area Promotions. Since 2005, this volunteer-driven charity has worked tirelessly to improve local infrastructure, foster community pride, and protect Milton’s rich heritage.

Over the past 12 months, Milton Area Promotions turned a long-held dream into reality with the creation of a brand-new community dog park – a project nearly a decade in the making. Volunteers have cleared dense overgrowth, cut down plants, removed 23 trailer loads of debris, sourced rocks, spread mulch, and shaped the land – all by hand. With help from local contractors, many of whom donated time and resources, the park is now a shining new recreational asset – not only for Milton residents but for dog lovers across the wider Clutha District.

Even while focused on the dog park, they continued their dedicated stewardship of community landmarks and spaces. They maintained and beautified Moore Park, looked after the Historic Toll House, added decorative street flags to brighten the town centre, and nurtured native plantings at South Bridge, ensuring local ecology is celebrated and supported.

Their work may often happen behind the scenes, but its impact is felt all around town – in the inviting public spaces, the thoughtful touches, and the strengthened sense of place and pride. Milton Area Promotions shows what can be achieved when a small group of committed people come together to serve the greater good. Through hands-on effort, creative problem-solving, and a deep love for their community, they are helping Milton grow not just in infrastructure, but in identity and spirit.

Clutha Community Hub Charitable Trust & Committee – Leisure & Recreation Award AND Supreme Winner

Supreme Winner - Clutha Charitable Trust and Committee

We are honoured to present not just the Leisure & Recreation Award, but also this year’s Supreme Award to a visionary group whose impact has truly reshaped the social, cultural, and civic landscape of the Clutha District — the Clutha Community Hub Charitable Trust & Committee.

Formed in 2016, this remarkable group set out with a bold goal: to develop a place where local identity is celebrated, where heritage is honoured, and where people come together to connect, grow, and thrive.

What has emerged from that is the outstanding Te Pou Ō Mata-Au – Clutha District War Memorial and Community Centre — a facility that pays tribute to the past while boldly embracing the future. In honouring its origins, the group ensured that the site’s significance as a War Memorial was not only preserved but elevated, woven thoughtfully into the design and purpose of the space. Over 29,000 volunteer hours were given by people who believed in the vision, and who brought their skills, energy, and passion to the table to turn it into reality. The Hub now stands as a centre for culture, wellbeing, business, and recreation — one that reflects the character and needs of our people.

As the project has moved from vision to reality, the Trust has seamlessly transitioned from a governance model focused on construction to one now supporting vibrant, everyday use. The newly formed Friends of TPŌMA, a volunteer group, continues to support events and community initiatives, while a growing team leads the operational side with skill and care.

The facility is already enabling new events, supporting local businesses, creating spaces for cultural expression, and drawing people from across the district. In every way, this project reflects the very best of rural New Zealand: collaboration, determination, innovation, and heart.

Benji Perry – Individual Award

One of this year’s Individual Award goes to someone whose dedication, generosity, and hands-on attitude have made a powerful impact across Clinton and beyond — Benji Perry. Whether he's restoring historic landmarks, leading fundraising efforts, or transforming neglected public spaces into places of pride and play, Benji brings vision, energy, and a deep sense of community to everything he does.

As President of the Clinton Lions Club, Benji guided the group through challenging times, introducing new tools like Zoom during lockdown and continuing vital projects like firewood distribution and fundraising through livestock. He’s also played a key role in the Valley Roar Committee, helping raise over $100,000 for local causes, including the Otago/Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust, and contributes to heritage efforts through the Willowbank Windmill restoration.

Benji is the driving force behind many local developments — from transforming rundown tennis courts into a vibrant bike park for kids, to sorting long-delayed drainage projects that cleared the way for future green spaces. His leadership has also breathed new life into Sale Yard Park, where sunflower fields and scarecrow competitions have turned a forgotten site into a community favourite.

What sets Benji apart is his ability to lead by doing — showing up with the gear, the knowledge, and the determination to make things happen. Through every project, he’s helped build a stronger, more connected Clinton, leaving behind a legacy of colour, kindness, and community pride.

Jess Paul – Individual Award

Our next Individual Award celebrates someone whose boundless energy, generosity, and love of sport and animals has left a lasting impression across South Otago. We are proud to present this year’s Individual Award to Jess Paul — a tireless volunteer, role model, and mentor, whose dedication reaches far beyond the rugby field and pony club paddocks.

While balancing a full-time job and competing in show jumping at a national level, Jess still finds time to give back to her community in extraordinary ways. From coaching the Clinton Under-7 Rippa Rugby team, to offering private riding lessons, Jess gives her all to support and uplift others. She’s involved in nearly every corner of youth sport in the area, and her passion, patience, and positivity make a huge impact on every child and family she meets.

Whether helping young riders grow in skill and confidence or teaching kids the value of teamwork on the rugby field, Jess leads with humility, heart, and a deep desire to see others succeed. What makes Jess truly special is not just the number of hours she gives, but the way she gives them. For Jess, it’s not about trophies or wins — it’s about growth, confidence, connection, and creating opportunities for the next generation. Her quiet leadership and unwavering commitment make her a treasured figure in our community.

Geoff Blackmore – Individual Award

The next Individual Award goes to someone whose quiet, consistent service has shaped his community for over 40 years. We’re proud to present this to Geoff Blackmore, a tireless and humble contributor whose dedication has left a lasting impact on Lawrence and the wider Clutha District.

Geoff has served nearly two decades on the Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board and Clutha District Council, and over 20 years with local rural water schemes, helping keep vital infrastructure running. He’s also played key roles in preserving heritage through the Lawrence Chinese Camp Trust and the Century Farm and Station Awards, where he’s been Treasurer since 2005.

His sporting contributions are equally impressive. A lifelong member of the Lawrence Rugby Club, Geoff has played, coached, and served on the committee—earning Life Membership in 2012. He’s also supported Simpson Park, coordinated fundraisers, and served in regional rugby leadership.

Geoff is the kind of community member who never seeks the spotlight but always shows up. His dedication, knowledge, and generosity make him truly deserving of this award and his legacy of service is truly woven into the fabric of Lawrence and beyond.

Elizabeth Jenkinson – Individual Award

Our next Individual Award goes to someone whose tireless commitment, financial expertise, and quiet leadership have helped strengthen the community. This award goes to Elizabeth Jenkinson, or Liz as she’s known to so many in Kaitangata.

Liz Jenkinson plays a vital role in one of Kaitangata’s most transformative projects, serving as the financial lead for the Kaitangata Housing Trust and overseeing major funding from the Tindall Foundation. Her countless volunteer hours working with council, lawyers, and accountants ensured every detail was accurate and every buyer supported.

She’s also a long-time Treasurer for the Kaitangata Promotions Group and recently stepped up to manage finances for the Black Gold Heritage Museum—bringing her steady hand and sense of service wherever it's needed.

Beyond her financial expertise, Liz is always first to volunteer for community working bees—painting the train, planting gardens, and supporting the “Our Place Kaitangata” plan. She's also an active member of the local Fellowship and exercise groups, quietly contributing in ways that keep the heart of the town beating strong.

Liz may not seek the spotlight, but her presence is felt everywhere—from financial planning to flower planting. Her reliability, intelligence, and willingness to give her time so freely have made her an essential part of Kaitangata’s ongoing story.

Annaliese Bisset - Youth Spirit Award winner

The Youth Spirit Award this year goes to a truly inspiring young leader, Annaliese Bisset. As Head Girl, Annaliese has demonstrated outstanding leadership, compassion, and a heartfelt commitment to making a difference both within her school and the wider community.

Annaliese has been actively involved in numerous committees and campaigns, raising awareness and funds for important causes such as World Vision, the 40 Hour Famine, Sweat with Pride, and Students Against Dangerous Driving. Her passion for helping others shines through in everything she does. Beyond her fundraising efforts, she generously volunteers her time at the school library and canteen, always ready to support key school events including open nights and athletics day.

This year, Annaliese also took the initiative to help sell crocheted poppies to raise funds for the RSA ahead of ANZAC Day, showing her respect and dedication to community remembrance. Through her role as Head Girl and her involvement in extracurricular activities, she has built strong and positive relationships with students across all year groups, helping foster a sense of connection and belonging throughout the school.

She is a passionate, kind-hearted young woman whose energy and commitment truly embody the spirit of this award.

Maddie Grinton - Youth Spirit Award

The Youth Spirit Award also goes to Maddie Grinton, a remarkable young leader whose kindness, positivity, and dedication have made a lasting impact on both her school and community. Maddie has consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to supporting others, especially younger students, serving as a mentoring leader who helps guide and encourage them during swimming lessons and school field trips.

Maddie is known not only for her outstanding behaviour and respectfulness but also for her approachable nature—always ready to lend a hand or offer support with a warm and friendly attitude. Her positive outlook and willingness to help others make her a role model for her peers and an invaluable member of her school community.

In addition to her mentoring role, Maddie also played an important part in organising the school ball alongside fellow students, showing her leadership, teamwork, and dedication to creating memorable experiences for all. Her leadership extends beyond formal roles; it shines in her everyday actions and interactions with others.

Academically, Maddie’s commitment is just as impressive, having achieved merit endorsements in both Year 11 and Year 12—a true reflection of her hard work and focus. Maddie’s kindness, respect, and enthusiasm perfectly capture the essence of this award.

Congratulations to all of this years award winners.