Youngsters among recipients of community awards

Outstanding individuals who selflessly contribute to making Thames-Coromandel a better place are what the Community Service Awards are all about – and four such people are to be celebrated next week at a special ceremony at the War Memorial Civic Centre in Thames.

 

They are: Perry Dovell of Thames for outstanding service to the Thames SPCA (Community Service Award), Trevor Martin of Whangamata for outstanding service to the Order of St Johns (Community Service Award), Tairua’s Gia Garrick, 15, (Youth Community Award) and Whitianga’s Richard Whale, 17, (Youth Community Award).

 

Only a handful of people are chosen from nominations received for the Community Service Award and Youth Community Award, a new award introduced this year to celebrate the district’s outstanding young people.

 

"As a nation we often forget to thank people for the little things they do that go un-noticed,” says Mayor Philippa Barriball. “But all the little things add up to a community with a heart, and our unsung heroes are the building blocks of our vibrant communities. The Community Service Awards are our way of saying thank you to some of these special people and allowing their inspirational stories to motivate others."

 

Held annually, the awards were created by Thames-Coromandel District Council to recognise and thank exceptional people and there are only ever four people selected for both the Community Service Award and Youth Community Award.

 

This year’s winners will be presented with their awards at a special ceremony at 5.30pm on September 24.