Dannevirke: Award for dedicated Chris

Chris Southgate (centre) is presented with a Paul Harris Fellow award. Looking on are Don Stephenson and outgoing Rotary president Margie Delaney. Photo / Christine McKay

Dannevirke's Chris Southgate has been awarded Rotary's highest honour for his outstanding contribution to the community.

On Tuesday night Mr Southgate was presented with the Paul Harris Fellow award. Fellow Rotary Club member Don Stephenson said Mr Southgate had certainly earned the award, which is in recognition of his long and outstanding service.

"Chris has been innovative and inspirational."

Mr Southgate was inducted into Dannevirke Rotary Club in 2003 by Mr Stephenson and has an outstanding record of service to the club and the local community, but the award came as a surprise.

"I didn't know this was going to happen. Being part of a service club like Rotary and helping the community is the stuff of heartland towns like Dannevirke where people like me just want to put back into the community."

Mr Southgate said good things happen in small communities such as Dannevirke.

"I had a lot of fun directing the Scanpower Ruahine Mountain Bike Challenge for four years, it was a standout," he said.

Recently it has been Dannevirke walkway and cycleway project which has earned Mr Southgate accolades.

However, he insists the project is a team effort.

"If you've got good people around you with great ideas, it's amazing what you can achieve. We've been lucky with all the volunteers who've helped with the walkway and the businesses who have contributed too.

"With a $5000 grant from the Infinity Foundation on top of $15,000 from the Eastern and Central Community Trust we're well funded to get into the second stage of the project now."