Trustpower Limited : SOUTHLAND MOTORCYCLE CLUB FINISHES FIRST AT COMMUNITY AWARDS

The Southland Motorcycle Club took out the Supreme Award at the 2011 TrustPower Invercargill Southland Community Awards.

The awards were announced and presented on Monday 7 November at the Invercargill Working Men's Club.

For winning the Supreme Award, the Southland Motorcycle Club received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1,500 prize money. The Southland Motorcycle Club now has the opportunity to represent the district at the 2011 TrustPower National Community Awards, which are being held in Ashburton District in March 2012.

In total, TrustPower has gave away over $5,000 to various community groups at the night's Awards.

TrustPower Community Relations Representative Jess Somerville said the annual Burt Munroe Challenge, organised by the Southland Motorcycle Club volunteers, is a fantastic event which honours a local hero passed.

"The Burt Munroe Challenge is a hugely successful five day event that attracts over 2,700 leather-clad Motorcyclists. Therefore its fortunate the club has a dedicated team of over 50 volunteers who invest a conservative 2500 voluntary hours into ensuring the success of this event.

Volunteers are involved in every aspect of the event from the crucial behind-the-scenes organising to the hands-on supervision of the BBQ and marquee set up. With the planning starting in January, it's a mammoth effort from all of those involved.

Local community groups are also involved in the success of the event. These groups help arrange parking, security, and ensure everyone is well fed. These groups benefit from these fundraisers accordingly.

The Burt Munroe Challenge is making a significant positive impact on the district and local community and we wish them all the best for this year's event," says Miss Somerville.

The competition for this year's TrustPower Invercargill Southland Community Awards was strong with 39 nominations received for the Awards.

Other winners at the night's TrustPower Invercargill Southland Community Awards were:

Heritage and Environment
Winner: Stewart Island/ Rakiura Community and Environment Trust
Joint Runner-Up: Bluff Hill/ Motupohue Environment Trust
Joint Runner-Up: The Bluff History Group

Health and Well Being
Winner: Age Concern
Runner-Up: Southland Hospital Volunteers
Commendation: Eastside Baptist Church

Arts and Culture
Winner: Southland Woodworkers Guild
Runner-Up: Fiordland Arts Society

Sport and Leisure
Winner: Mountain Safety Southland
Runner-Up: Marakura Yacht Club

Education and Child/Youth Development
Winner: ILT Kidzone Community Volunteers
Joint Runner-Up: Mid Northern Southland Toy Library
Joint Runner-Up: Southland Council of the NZ Reading Association

Supreme Winner
The Southland Motorcycle Club

For more information please contact:

Jess Somerville
Community Relations Representative
Ph: 0800 87 11 11 or 021 791 084
Email: [e-mail]

For more information on the TrustPower Community Awards please visit www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards