A range of initiatives across Central including a school gym floor upgrade, astrophotography exhibition, and a playcentre spruce-up were supported with funding recently.

Central Lakes Trust (CLT) awarded several project grants to Central groups for facilities, arts and sports - part of more than $1M awarded to 24 organisations at the recent CLT board meeting on June 17.

Roxburgh Area School received $19,500 for a gym floor replacement.

Omakau Bowling Club got $8,800 for shade and shelter protection, Clyde Playcentre’s interior upgrade was awarded $3,539, and Winterstellar 2025 was boosted by $11,000.

The Queenstown Electrification Accelerator Programme, led by Rewiring Aotearoa (RA), received $220,000 to build community resilience through electrification. 

This pilot programme will establish a locally-based team to develop momentum and accelerate movement to alternative energy sources.

While the name of the programme includes “Queenstown”, resources, educational materials, events, package deals, and capability building will be made available to everyone throughout the region.

A 2020 survey showed that 15 percent of residents in Queenstown and the Central Otago region were unable to heat their homes consistently. 

With energy costs still rising globally and nationwide, vulnerable households continue to be disproportionately affected.

Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey said electrification holds the key to solving many of the challenges we face in our community.

“Switching our energy reliance from fossil fuels to locally generated electricity will lower the cost of living, improve community health, and reduce emissions to help our region become a global role model in community-led energy.”

CLT chair Linda Robertson said she was thrilled to support the initiative.

“It’s an exciting step toward a more resilient and low-emissions future that ensures all our communities have access to clean, affordable energy.”

Alexandra’s Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery received an operational/programme grant for July 2025 - June 2026. PHOTO: Supplied  

Programme grants went to Alexandra Rural Community Patrol ($6,220), Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery ($30,000), Central Otago District Council Welcoming Communities ($16,000), ADL, a not-for-profit youth services provider ($108,530) and Otago Community Hospice Trust ($200,960).

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