Trustpower community relations representative Kathlene Cook says it is a pleasure to acknowledge such an incredible voluntary group, maintaining and breathing life into a true community gem.
"This passionate group of volunteers live and breathe the Wanganui Opera House. With a 'die-in-a-ditch' mentality, they have previously rescued this heritage building from demolition and they are the reason why and how this beautiful establishment is available to everyone," she said.
"Wanganui has an amazing reputation across the country for its opera. Here you produce some world-class opera singers. The huge efforts put in by the friends are helping to establish Wanganui as a bit of an arts centre. Because this beautiful building is so wonderful, it is attracting wonderful students, then tutors and it snowballs from there," Ms Cook said.
A "whopping" 98 entries were received in this year's Trustpower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards.
"The Whanganui District is home to a large number of voluntary and community-based groups and organisations who work hard to make the Whanganui District a great place to live. The Trustpower Community Awards highlight and celebrate the huge contribution of these voluntary groups and, thanks to the people who entered these groups, we are able to host the region's biggest celebration for voluntary groups that highlights their accomplishments, successes and services that these groups provide to their community," Ms Cook said.
Other recipients at the Trustpower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards were:
Heritage and environment Runner-up: Bird Rescue Wanganui Manawatu, Winner: Bushy Park Trust. Health and Wellbeing Commendation: Matipo Development Trust, Joint runners-up: Age Concern Wanganui Inc, Wanganui Cancer Society, Winner: Red Cross Wanganui Branch. Arts and Culture Commendation: Wanganui Lyric Singers, Runner-up: Whanganui Festival of Cultures Planning Group, Winner: Friends of the Opera House Inc. Sports and Leisure Runner-up: Wanganui East Swim Club, Joint-winners: Coastguard Wanganui, Aramoho Wanganui Rowing Club. Education and Child Youth Development Commendation: Rapanui Brunswick Playcentre, Runner-up: Wanganui Foster Care Association, Winner: SeniorNet (Wanganui), Special Commendation, Wanganui City College. Supreme Winner: Friends of the Opera House. Youth Community Spirit Winner: Renee Harrison of Wanganui Girls' College, Finalists: Kacie Warren from Cullinane College, Alexander Torrie from Wanganui High School, Eliza Maher from Wanganui Collegiate School.
