Community champions, pictured with Ashburton mayor Neil Brown, were honoured this week in the Ashburton District Council Community Awards.
- Advertisement -
Hakatere Marae volunteers received the Ashburton Medal this week for their community work in the areas of education, commemoration, care and support.
The medal was presented by Mayor Neil Brown and was one of many he presented on Monday as part of the 2023 Ashburton District Council Community Awards.
Mayor Neil Brown (second from left) with Hakartere Marae members TK Reuben-Paul, Michelle Brett, Tania Reuben and Selwyn Price after the marae received The Ashburton Medal – for community service.
Also to receive the medal was Val Clemens for conservation, especially at the Harris Reserve, Wakanui Beach, Bio Diversity Group and Ashburton Forest and Bird.
Val Clemens with Mayor Neil Brown received the Ashburton Medal for conservation.
The Mayor’s Award, the highest civic award presented, went to: Lindsay Holland in recognition of his involvement with groups and initiatives such as Bookarama, Ashburton Rotary, Lynn’s Museum Trust and Town Watch; Charles Ross for work especially rebuilding the Sharplin Falls Track; Edward Oakley for his work in many projects in Rakaia, service through Lions, district council and farming; and Jack Allan in recognition of his work with local groups such as Mayfield Lions, Sharplin Falls walkway, Advance Ashburton Community Foundation and tennis.
Mayor Neil Brown with Lindsay Holland who received The Mayor’s Award for his involvement with groups and initiatives such as Bookarama, Ashburton Rotary, Lynn’s Museum Trust and Town Watch.
Four Civic Awards were made: Major Cezarne Rodgers for 34 years with the Ashburton Cadet Unit; Thelma Bell who is a founding member of Multi Cultural Bite and very active in the multicultural community and the Filipino community; Michael Ross of Plains Railway; and members of Phat Bastards mountain bike group for fundraising $75,000 in 48 hours for Ashburton Hospice, Methven Search and Rescue and the Farming Families Charitable Trust.
Cezarne Rodgers (centre back row) with members of the cadet forces received the Civic Award for her decades of service to the Ashburton Cadet Unit.Mayor Neil Brown with Charles Ross who received The Mayor’s Award for work especially rebuilding the Sharplin Falls Track. Mayor Neil Brown and Mike Ross who received the Civic Award for his work with Plains Railway.Phat Bastards bike group spokesperson Dean Harrison, with deputy mayor Liz McMillan, at rear, speaks after the group received a Civic Award for their charity fundraiser.Mayor Neil Brown and Edward Oakley speaking after getting The Mayor’s Award for his work in many projects in Rakaia, service through Lions, district council and farming.Mayor Neil Brown with Thelma Bell who received a Civic Award as a founding member of Multi Cultural Bite and very active in the multicultural community and the Filipino community.
