Residents’ safety while in the outdoors has been further supported by the Otago Community Trust (OCT) in its September funding round. 

OCT has funded over $516,000 in support of a wide range of community projects in the latest funding round, with 30 different organisations receiving funding. 

Coastguard Clyde received $12,000 to assist with the cost of purchasing a towing vehicle. Its current towing vehicle, a second hand four wheel drive, is no longer fit for purpose.

A capable, reliable, towing vehicle is a vital component of the coastguard’s rescue system, allowing them to transport their rescue boat to where it is needed. 

The unique environment in which the Coastguard Clyde operates demands some specific vehicle capabilities: It needs to have a 3,500kg tow ball rating, be small enough to manoeuvre in the river gorge environment and able to transport between two and ten people, including crew, passengers and a patient on a backboard.

Central Otago Search and Rescue (COSAR) also benefited from a $9,000 grant to help with buying operational equipment and helicopter training time. 

COSAR will buy new handheld radios, laptops and incident management software, thermal binoculars and a rescue stretcher carrier to assist patients over difficult terrain. 

Other grants were awarded to Cromwell Junior Associated Football Club for the upgrade and replacement of junior and youth soccer goals at Alpha Street reserve ($10,000) and for the Alexandra Child Care Centre exterior painting work ($1,140).  

Another beneficiary is the Snow Farm, a spot many Central schools visit each winter to experience cross country skiing and tubing. The Snow Farm is in immediate need of a base lodge which will serve all users, summer and winter, for both for recreational and school activities.

A $180,000 grant was approved to assist with the cost of building a new base lodge for the facility. 

Snow Farm chair ‘Q’ Samuel Belk said the ski field’s new lodge needs to be complete by next season, as the ski field’s lease is up with neighbour Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground.

“Due to the speed with which we need to get into the new build, we will complete the facility in a couple of stages. Stage one costing an estimated $900,000 and stage two costing $800,000.

“Thanks to the $180,000 grant from Otago Community Trust, [and] an earlier $225,000 grant from Central Lakes Trust, we now have strong momentum to reach our funding target for stage one and ensure that the Snow Farm continues to operate and grow as a community and national asset.”

OCT chief executive Barbara Bridger said OCT is pleased to support the project. 

“The Snow Farm is a unique facility and having a base building is fundamental to their operations and the experience of the various users including school groups and cross-country skiers,” she said.