everyone reads the wanaka sun
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Developers protest page 2
Murder, money, scallops Dominic Stayne, Jen Shelton and John Schwarz rehearse for the upcoming Wanaka production: “Opening night at Alfies.” Written by local Gilly Pugh who describes it as “a fishy tale of murder, money, skullduggery and scallops,” the play is set to run from May 30 to June 2.
Still climbing after 70 years page 4
PHOTO: wanaka.tv
Community groups benefit Tim Brewster
MACstock rocks page 8
Skatepark scooter battle page 16
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Wet weather gear for the coastguard, a new oven for a childcare centre, rescue equipment for avalanche dogs and a number of other projects for community groups have been provided for in the first round of donations from the Graham and Olive West Trust. Trustee Russell Umbers said the focus of the trust is to benefit non profit community groups in the Upper Clutha, especially those that assist people in need. “I think we’ve pretty much got it right, there are some worthwhile groups that missed out but they can apply next year,” he said. Graham and Olive West were Russell’s great aunt and uncle and he said the choice he and other trustees made reflected the spirit of the trust’s intention. A total of $114,374 was distributed to 13 groups from 42 that applied. The annual grants come from a fund of approximately $1million dollars that was donated by the Wests to be distributed over ten years. A $50,000 contribution was
made to the Wanakafest Community Trust for a mobile stage trailer, the scouts have upgraded their camping equipment and other groups such as Kahu Youth, and Wheels to Dunstan received funds to run their existing programmes. Upper Clutha Women’s Support group received a grant of $2000 which covers their annual phone bill.
this time of year, she said. Aspiring Avalanche Dogs is using the funding to buy equipment for mountain use. The rescue dog group also has a strong educational focus visiting schools with the twin goals of promoting safety awareness in the mountains along with responsible dog ownership to children. Chairman Matt Gunn said
I think we’ve pretty much got it right, there are some worthwhile groups that missed out but they can apply next year. The confidential 24 hour counselling service receives up to 250 calls a year to the organisation cellphone which is assigned to volunteers. Spokesperson Jude Battson said the calls can be lengthy and with an estimated 150 women a year who use the service, being able to respond quickly is a crucial part of the service. With shorter days and the cloud inversion layer, the service always gets busier at
there can be sometimes be a casual attitude to dog ownership in the Wanaka area and the group has the long term aim of visiting all the schools in the Upper Clutha. Another recipient of the awards is the community funded Aspiring Beginnings childcare centre. The centre is working toward gaining the national Healthy Heart award for schools and a new oven has assisted them in preparing all their meals in
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house, senior teacher Jen Rawson said. “With all the budget cuts in education, it’s hugely supportive to get funding for the extra costs that come up.” A timetable for applications will be established every year opening in February and closing in March with funding decisions and allocation in April and May respectively.
2012 recipients of funding from the West Trust: Aspiring Avalanche Dogs Inc Aspiring Beginnings Coastguard Wanaka Lakes Kahu Youth Trust Otago Area Plunket Carseat Rental Parenting4life Prestbyterian Support Otago UC Presbyterian Church – Mainly Music Upper Clutha Women’s Support Group Wanaka Community Toy Library Wanaka Guide and Scout Group Wheels to Dunstan Charitable Trust Wanakafest Community Trust