It’s celebration time for the team behind the Omakau Community Hub Project with news of a significant funding boost from the Bob Turnbull Trust towards the build.
The Manuherekia Valleys Community Trust found out this month that it had been successful in obtaining a $600,000 grant from the charitable trust towards its project to construct a purpose-built, multi-use community facility on the Omakau Recreation Reserve for Omakau and the surrounding communities.
Manuherekia Valleys Community Trust (MVCT) Chair Andrew Paterson said he was so “stoked” to receive the good news that his instant reaction was to wrap one of the benefactors, Bob Turnbull Trust trustee Julie Brabant, in a hug.
Mr Paterson said the latest funding grant took the fundraising tally up to $1,710,000, adding to the $1 million Vincent ratepayer funding approved through the Central Otago District Council Long-term Plan 2021-31 process, $80,000 donation from the Matakanui Combined Rugby Club and $30,000 raised through the Winter Crop Challenge donated by the Omakau Earnscleugh Collie Club, and the Omakau and Poolburn schools.
“This is the biggest construction project that the Manuherekia/Ida Valley communities have seen since the Omakau Squash Courts were built, in the 1980s, and the Rugby Clubrooms before that,” said Mr Paterson.
“This will be a legacy for future generations and is aimed at bringing together many community groups under the one roof. Thank you to the everyone for the support so far to get the project and the fundraising tally to this point.”
The community will get to lay its eyes on draft concept plans for the build at the 125th anniversary Central Otago Show at the Omakau Domain on Saturday 11 February, Mr Paterson said. Representatives of the MVCT will be on hand with large scale concept plans to discuss and take community feedback, as well as using their presence as an opportunity to promote upcoming fundraising activities and will be all ears for anyone who would like to connect about donations and sponsorship.
A 4WD fundraiser is set for Sunday 26 March and will be a trip along the Dunstan Mountains on tracks that are normally closed. Those attending will meet at the Matakanui rugby club at 9am for a briefing before departure and the day will finish back at the rugby club for a barbecue and refreshments. There will be seats available for those who don’t have a 4WD. Those wanting to find out more and register can contact donassociates@xtra.co.nz or text/phone 021 226 5273.
The Trust continues to work closely with Central Otago District Council staff through the development process for the Omakau Community Hub. A report will go to the Vincent Community Board in coming months to approve the concept designs and discuss next steps for the project.
