The hunt is on for the good sorts in Papakura who do the work when and where it’s needed.
Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole says the area is blessed to have so many people who give their time to help others, and the board’s 2023 Community Volunteer Recognition Awards are a way of acknowledging that.
“We have seen some truly exceptional things.
“People forming foodbanks, groups staging community events, volunteers working to enhance the environment, and who knows how many hours poured into sports and arts groups for clubs that could not exist without that help,” he says.
Nominations are being sought in seven categories:
- Arts - person or group demonstrating commitment & long service
- Sports - behind-the-scenes stars who ensure their clubs succeed
- Community service (local heroes) - 'good sorts' who always help out
- Young person - under 18s showing community service or helping their peers
- Environment - volunteers who shape the sustainability of our environment
- Culture - those committed to preserving and celebrating culture or heritage
- Disaster response - for contributions during flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle
- Long service award - outstanding contributions for 20 years or more.
Nominations can be made for individuals or groups. Forms are available at libraries and are online here, and must be returned by Monday,1 May by post to Papakura Local Board, 35 Coles Crescent, Papakura; or by email at papakuralocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
An awards ceremony will be held at 6-9pm on Thursday 8 June at Hawkins Theatre at 13 Ray Small Drive.
Anyone can nominate someone who lives within the board area and contributes to developing the local community, or someone from outside the area who supports initiatives that benefit communities within the board area.
The awards recognise contributions by individuals and groups continuously working between 1 May 2020 to 1 May 2023. Each recipient can receive a maximum two awards, and a maximum of five volunteers per organisation can be awarded.
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