Building Stronger Communities: Otago Community Trust Supports Local Initiatives in $1.5Million December Grants Round
16 Dec 2024
Otago Community Trust has completed its December grants round, awarding a total of $1,500,633 to support innovative community initiatives across the Otago region.
In the Clutha District, significant community infrastructure improvements are taking centre stage. The Kaitangata Community Pool Committee Incorporated received a $160,000 grant to transform their local swimming facility. The project will comprehensively upgrade the pool, including new equipment, improved changing rooms, enhanced accessibility, and extended operational hours. Emma Kell, Secretary of the Committee, emphasised the project's importance, noting that the refurbished pool will help grow swimming participation, improve water safety, encourage family fitness, and provide youth with a constructive outdoor activity.
Nearby, the Clinton Community Pool Inc was awarded $4,852 to support critical improvements, including early pool opening and electrical infrastructure upgrades. The volunteer-run facility serves 200 key holders and 80 school children, providing an essential community resource. In another educational initiative, Lawrence Area School received $50,000 to convert its aging asphalt courts into a state-of-the-art multisport turf facility. This new surface will provide a safe, all-weather sporting area for the school's 140 students and wider community, supporting diverse activities such as tennis, cricket, netball, rugby, and basketball.
In Ōtepoti/Dunedin, the Trust supported several innovative projects. Aukaha (1997) Ltd will implement a virtual reality driving simulator with a $10,000 grant, creating a safe, risk-free environment for vulnerable learners, as well as high school and polytechnic students to develop crucial driving skills. Dani McDonald from Aukaha highlighted the project's significance in providing a cost-effective and low-stress learning experience for inexperienced drivers.
The Trust also invested $108,000 in the Waiora Campsite to transform two donated prefab classrooms into a new 40-bed accommodation complex. This expansion will significantly enhance the campsite's capacity to serve approximately 2,000 annual users, including schools, Scout groups, and community organisations. Additionally, the Trust supported a diverse array of cultural events in Ōtepoti, including the Dunedin Summer Shakespeare, South Dunedin Street Festival, Wild Dunedin Festival of Nature, Dunedin Race Relations Week, and the Fringe Arts Festival's 25th-anniversary.
In the Waitaki District, the Janet Frame Eden Street Trust received a $23,500 grant to develop a dedicated visitor centre at 56 Eden Street, Ōamaru. The site, which currently attracts over 450 visitors per season, will offer an enhanced experience of the renowned author's childhood home. The annual New Year's Eve Party at the Gardens in Ōamaru secured $10,000 to continue its tradition of community celebration, with the free, family-friendly event expected to attract between 2,550 and 3,000 attendees.
Animal welfare was also a priority, with Pound Paws Rescue receiving $4,650 to support their critical dog desexing program. The grant will help approximately 40 families address important animal welfare needs, breaking the cycle of uncontrolled dog breeding and supporting pet owners facing financial barriers.
Andy Kilsby, Chair of Otago Community Trust, reflected on the significance of these grants: "We are honoured to support the remarkable work happening in our community. From preserving literary heritage to hosting community celebrations and supporting animal welfare, these projects showcase the innovative spirit and dedication of local organisations working tirelessly to create opportunities and enrich our region."
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Otago Community Trust Grants, December 2024 |
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Alexandra |
Central Otago A & P Association |
$3,500.00 |
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Alexandra Child Care Centre Inc |
$3,070.00 |
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Central Otago Group Riding for the Disabled Association |
$3,000.00 |
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Balclutha |
Clinton Community Pool Inc |
$4,852.00 |
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Catlins Medical Centre (2017) Ltd |
$10,000.00 |
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Dunedin |
Dunedin Christmas Charitable trust |
$5,000.00 |
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Royal NZ Pipe Band Assn - Otago Centre |
$4,301.00 |
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Saturday Morning Music Classes (Dunedin) Soc Inc |
$2,844.00 |
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Keep Dunedin Beautiful Committee |
$6,500.00 |
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Dunedin Community Accounting |
$2,500.00 |
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Kaikorai Grays Sport & Travel Inc |
$2,000.00 |
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Castle Charitable Trust |
$4,500.00 |
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Te Roopu Tautoko Ki Te Tonga Inc |
$10,000.00 |
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South Dunedin Community Network Inc |
$11,800.00 |
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Dunedin Midwinter Celebrations Trust |
$20,000.00 |
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Southern Youth Development |
$6,510.00 |
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Dunedin Wildlife Trust |
$3,000.00 |
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BIAS (Brockville) Charitable Trust |
$4,850.00 |
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Dunedin Wildlife Trust |
$20,000.00 |
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Kaikorai Rugby Football Club Inc |
$5,000.00 |
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BIAS (Brockville) Charitable Trust |
$50,000.00 |
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Cargill's Castle Trust |
$50,000.00 |
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Aukaha (1997) Ltd |
$10,000.00 |
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Warrington Surf Life Saving Club |
$300,000.00 |
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Dunedin Multi Ethnic Council |
$5,000.00 |
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WOW! Productions Trust |
$12,000.00 |
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Taieri Mouth Amenities Soc |
$3,800.00 |
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Hiwa Navigation Ltd |
$10,000.00 |
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CCS Disability Action Otago Inc |
$18,000.00 |
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Otago Sports Car Club Inc |
$20,000.00 |
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Otago Boys High School |
$35,000.00 |
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Life Education Trust Coastal Otago |
$15,000.00 |
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Pioneer Opportunities & Resources Trust |
$2,500.00 |
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Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust |
$83,000.00 |
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Trinity Catholic College |
$60,000.00 |
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St Leonards School |
$7,500.00 |
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Dunedin CIty Council - Chinese Cultural Week |
$9,000.00 |
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The National Foundation for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Manatopu Incorporated |
$10,000.00 |
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Daniel Belton and Good Company |
$4,125.00 |
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Youthline Otago Inc |
$65,000.00 |
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Dunedin Curtain Bank Trust |
$16,000.00 |
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Halfway Bush Kindergarten |
$10,000.00 |
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Anglican Family Care |
$2,400.00 |
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Otago Touch Assn Inc |
$5,000.00 |
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Milton |
Lawrence Area School |
$50,000.00 |
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Tokomairiro A & P Society |
$4,500.00 |
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Mosgiel |
Taieri District Pony Club Inc |
$2,200.00 |
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Waiora Campsite & Training Centre (NZ Scout Assn) |
$108,000.00 |
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Ōamaru |
North Otago Rugby Football Union Inc |
$4,200.00 |
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Janet Frame Eden Street Trust |
$23,500.00 |
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Waitaki District Council - Community Events |
$10,000.00 |
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CCS Disability Action Waitaki Inc |
$10,000.00 |
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Otago |
Millers Flat Collie Dog Club |
$2,500.00 |
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Tititea Performing Arts Trust |
$2,500.00 |
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Southland Triathlon and Multisport Club Inc |
$1,113.00 |
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Alzheimers Disease and Related Disorders Society (ADARDS) Otago Incorporated |
$9,200.00 |
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Arts On Tour NZ |
$20,000.00 |
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SPELD NZ |
$10,000.00 |
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The Student Volunteer Army Foundation |
$6,240.00 |
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Dunedin Concerto Competition |
$10,000.00 |
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Untouched World Charitable Trust |
$6,500.00 |
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Waitaki Endurance & CTR Club Inc |
$8,700.00 |
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Otago Mental Health Support Trust |
$4,950.00 |
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Pound Paws Rescue |
$4,650.00 |
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Other |
Lawrence Summer Art Festival 2009 Inc. |
$5,000.00 |
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Crohn's & Colitis New Zealand Charitable Trust |
$2,255.00 |
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Coastal Otago Branch, New Zealand Tree Crops Association |
$3,000.00 |
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Kaitangata Community Pool Committee Incorporated |
$160,000.00 |
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Roxburgh |
Central Otago Hunt Inc. |
$3,240.00 |
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Waik/Palm |
Dunback Bowling Club |
$1,000.00 |
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Puketeraki Limited |
$5,000.00 |
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Wānaka |
Wānaka Croquet Club Inc |
$5,000.00 |
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Southern Jet Sprints Club C/- Hammond Davidson Accountants |
$5,000.00 |
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Mint Charitable Trust |
$5,000.00 |
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Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust |
$1,129.00 |
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Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust |
$4,940.00 |
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Wheels at Wānaka Charitable Trust |
$10,000.00 |
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Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust |
$12,764.00 |
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Te Kura O Take Kārara |
$42,000.00 |
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