The Central campus for the Otago Polytechnic is developing a new Secondary – Tertiary College Trades Academy facility for use by Trades Academy students and those attending Level 3 auto-mechanics and carpentry programmes. While the new building will be funded in entirety by the Polytech Council, Central Lakes Trust is making a contribution for tools and equipment for the facility.

The Cromwell Trades academy collaborates with service providers throughout the region to provide learning pathways between school, tertiary education and vocational opportunities. “Providing courses in Central Otago allows the region to better retain its young people and build a resilient community,” says Central Lakes Trust Chief Executive, Susan Finlay.

The Trust will add support to the Queenstown Gardens Commemorative Playscape providing up to 10% of the project’s cost which will see a new multi-age playground in the CBD of Queenstown. The new playscape will be compliant with current standards, provide creative play for a wider age group and ability, and give improved access for less mobile users and caregivers. “With a growing number of young families entering the district, and a shift towards higher density housing; families have smaller backyards, this playground will be a fabulous resource for the community,” says Stephen Quin, Parks Planning Manager, Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Central Lakes Trust will also provide support of $57,000 for the estimated 380 bed nights required for Central Lakes families at Ronald McDonald South Island facilities over the 2018/19 year. Many families from the Central Lakes region have been accommodated at both Ronald McDonald House Christchurch and Ronald McDonald Family room at Southland Hospital. “Our remote location away from these health services, makes it difficult for families. Ronald McDonald Houses allow these families to have somewhere to stay with the support they need to focus on their child’s health,” says Central Lakes Trust Chairman, Tony Hill.

Central Lakes Trustee’s also confirm funding for Clyde Museum to complete a conservation management plan for the Blyth St and Briar Herb Museum at a proposed value of $20,771.

“The conservation plans of these important historic buildings and places consider historic significance, vulnerability, and development of conservation policies to ensure protection, retention and enhancement, Susan says. The plans will form an important component of a wider heritage strategy.”

“Interestingly we have had a number of enquiries from museum groups recently, all asking similar questions. This has identified a need to facilitate a wider conversation to gain a broader understanding of the issues these groups are facing, which we have commenced with key stakeholders.”

Families in the Wakatipu Basin will have a memorial to acknowledge and honour babies who have passed away during pregnancy or early infancy with the support of a number of funders, including Central Lakes Trust.

A number of operational grants for the 2018/19 financial year were approved supporting charitable community groups to provide their core services within the Central Lakes region. These include, Otago and Southland division of the Cancer Society receiving $50,000, Central Otago Friendship network, with $15,000, and the Volunteering Otago and Otago Plunket Community Services with $25,000 respectively.

“The Trust’s annual grants budget is $6.28m and the latest rounds of grants takes the total approved for this financial year to over $6.93m” Susan says.

The next annual grant’s budget will be set at the next Trust meeting to be held on March 12th 2018.