Eight people and two groups will be celebrated at this year’s Community Honours Awards, which recognise the contributions and achievements of the Ashburton District’s outstanding volunteers.

The 10, plus family and supporters, have been invited to a presentation ceremony at the Ashburton Event Centre on Monday 25 September, at 2pm.

The Mayor’s Award for Public Service will be awarded to Jack Allan, Lindsay Holland, Edward Oakley and Charles Ross. These four have made a significant and sustained contribution to the district.

Mr Allan is most well known for his work with Mid Canterbury Tennis, Mr Holland as a driving force behind Bookarama, Mr Oakley as a stalwart of all things Rakaia and Mr Ross for leading the new Sharplin Falls track project.

Two Ashburton Medals will be awarded - to Val Clemens (for conservation) and to the Hakatere Marae (for community work).

Civic Awards will be presented to Thelma Bell (Multi-Cultural Bite), Cezarne Rodgers (Ashburton Cadet Unit), Michael Ross (Ashburton Railway and Preservation Society) and the Phat Bastards (fundraising mountainbikers).

These awards recognise substantial service, usually voluntary or beyond normal employment, benefiting the district and its people.

Mayor Neil Brown said it was humbling to read the achievements of the 10 recipients, and of all those who had been nominated for community awards.

“There was such a high calibre of nominees and it was difficult for the selection panel, but the 10 we have chosen have really made a difference to our district and the people who live here.

“Their dedication and volunteer work has been outstanding and they are all very worthy recipients.”

Mayor Brown said the awards presentation ceremony was also open to members of the public and each recipient’s achievements would be read out and acknowledged.

“Volunteers are an essential part of our community and we thank all those who work for the benefit of our district.”

You can read the full citations online after the presentation ceremony.