The Central Lakes Trust (CLT) has started a new initiative in conjunction with Volunteer South to strengthen community groups in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes. 

Provisionally called ‘The Lighthouse Project’, it is a collective impact initiative intended to provide a knowledge hub, grow good governance, build capacity, and provide technological and administrative support. 

The trust has awarded $75,000 for this financial year to get the project underway, and CLT grants manager Mat Begg (one of the key drivers behind the initiative) is excited by the

opportunities the grant will afford community groups and organisations.

“Many community groups and organisations face the same key challenges with regard to capacity and capability,” Mat said. 

“In 2021 a working group was established to collate these needs, have conversations around possible solutions, and investigate other models around New Zealand that have the same kaupapa. This project is the result of all our findings and will be further developed and implemented over the next three years.” 

Volunteer South was chosen to help deliver the programme as many of the aspirations of the programme aligned closely with the organisation’s objectives.

CLT also awarded $155,000 to the Salvation Army to deliver services in the region. 

Since 2006 the Trust has been supporting Salvation Army services which range from

practical programmes such as teaching life skills and budgeting to crisis support in the form of food banks, emergency housing, mental health and addiction services.

Alexandra Community Gardens manager Brian Seymour, right, and helper, Mark, prepare to deliver a load of firewood. PHOTO: The Central App

Captain Logan Bathhurst of the Salvation Army Alexandra Corps said the operational grant was a joint grant between Queenstown and Alexandra and covering the Central Lakes district. 

The funding covered a large part of the community ministry’s expenses, he said, and went mainly to frontline services.

In Alexandra, the Salvation Army runs the community gardens, Eden Garden, which also provides firewood for those in need. It also provides advocacy and foodbank welfare support, runs the Salvo’s Family Store and, since February, has a counsellor on staff.

“She is in a hybrid role, she can do advocacy as well,” Logan said.

It could take several weeks or longer for someone to be able to access other mental health support, and the ministry needed the shift, he said.

“We are seeing an increase in need in the emotional and mental health area.”

CLT chief executive Barbara Bridger acknowledged the importance of supporting the 

organisation.

“We are proud to stand alongside the Salvation Army and support the invaluable work they do in our region,” she said. “Their steadfast commitment to providing vital services and assistance to those in need is truly inspiring. We are privileged to collaborate with such a compassionate organisation.”

The Trust awarded a total of $613,074 to 17 charity groups and projects at its June meeting. Other grants included $50,000 to Uruuruwhenua Hauora to deliver programmes that meet Māori-specific needs throughout Central Otago, as well as $35,000 to the Bannockburn Bowling Club for a new kitchen.