Artist’s impression of the new ropes course at Dunstan High School
The new Central Lakes Trust board met for their first grants meeting since elections were held late last year.
“Less grant applications over the summer period have conveniently allowed the trust to ease our new trustees into their governance roles. The trust approved $184,632 in this funding round,” says Trust Chair, Linda Robertson.
The trust also announce the appointment of Deputy Chair, Hetty Van Hale.
Hetty replaces Bernice Lepper, who was mandated to retire from the trust late last year. “Hetty was appointed to the trust in late 2018, and has a strong governance background bringing a wealth of experience to the role,” Robertson says.
Amongst grants approved was the Southland and Otago branch of the Cancer Society of NZ who received $66,000 towards supporting those from our district diagnosed with cancer, as well as cancer prevention activities. “A good portion of that money ensures patients and their families from our region can stay free of charge in Dunedin’s Daffodil House while receiving treatment. Known as a home away from home, this service is so important for our district,” Chief Executive, Susan Finlay says.
Cancer has a major impact in our lives - 23,215 people are diagnosed every year, according to recently released figures by the Ministry of Health. The same report from the Ministry of Health also forecasts that new cancer rates will increase by 50% through to 2035.
Demand for post cancer treatment support services is increasing as our population grows and more people survive. It is important that cancer related services are delivered to a high standard, and that they are accessible and equitable throughout the region.
“This grant enables these services to be maintained,” Finlay says.
Alzheimers Society Otago receive a grant of $25,000 this year, followed by $20,000 for the following two years to assist with the provision of support services to sufferers and their families. Alzheimers Otago have a community educator based in Alexandra who provides individual support to those diagnosed with dementia.115 patients and their wider families receive support from this service.
Central Lakes Breastfeeding Charitable Trust established in 2017 provides a coordinated breastfeeding support network for the region. Funding of $23,000 assists families by providing free lactation consultant support, advice and advocacy for breastfeeding mothers in the Central Lakes District.
“The number of families with young children is increasing across the whole of the CLT catchment area and demand for our services will increase accordingly. We are incredibly grateful, in the absence of health funding to CLT in providing this much needed support for families in our region,” says Chair, Jo O’Connor.
Last year the ropes course at Dunstan High School was damaged beyond repair in gale force winds. CLT have granted funding towards a new ropes course, which will be site specific, and in a new location in the school grounds to tie in with other school activities. says Principal, Reece Goldsmith. “The old rope course was widely used by the school community plus other community users including, Central Otago Search and Rescue, the BLAST programme, Fire Brigade, youth groups, other schools including primary and secondary schools, Scouts, NZ Army, St Johns Ambulance and commercial users such as Fulton Hogan, Delta and building companies who use it for work training purposes. We are really looking forward to getting the new custom designed course up and ready for use in May,” he says.
Arts On Tour which plays at 60 venues around the country, from 40- 400 seat theatres again receives funding ensuring performing artists are seen in the Central Lakes region.
The tour focuses its programme on rural and remote communities, providing opportunities for these communities to access quality performances.
27 artists applied for just 10 performance spots in the 2020 line up says Arts on Tour General Manager, Steve Thomas.
“The upcoming artist is Brendan Dooley, who tours in early March “in Cromwell, Arrowtown, Roxburgh, Alexandra and Hawea and is a great artist,” he says. “When I first saw Brendan Dooley, with his comedy magic for young audiences in Mayhem! and for families in Cheeky, Quirky & Classy, I was so excited at the level of sophistication and the delivery of mind boggling tricks.”
Ticket sales provide about 40% of revenue, the remainder is supported by Creative NZ, charitable and community trusts including Central Lakes Trust.
“The Arts on Tour programme provides increased awareness of the arts in small communities and the opportunity to have diverse performers in the local area,” Trust Chief Executive, Susan Finlay says.
February’s grants round takes the total grants approved by the Board of Central Lakes Trust for the financial year to 31 March to just over $9.0 million of the $9.1 million grants budget. One board meeting remains for the year, Finlay says.