Oamaru television broadcaster 45 South Television has won the supreme award at this year's TrustPower Waitaki District Community Awards presented in the Opera House last night.
The award was a culmination of two years of ups and downs at the television station, staffed by volunteers who have struggled to keep broadcasting from its Itchen St studios in the digital television age.
These efforts were rewarded by winning the top award.
TrustPower community relations representative Emily Beaton said the station brought local faces, events and news into local lounges.
Volunteers gave their free time at weekends, evenings and holidays to capture the many events and activities in the Waitaki district and beyond.
For winning the supreme award, 45 South Television received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1500 prize money.
It will represent the district at the 2014 TrustPower National Community Awards in the Wellington region in March next year.
Last night, TrustPower gave away more than $5000 to various community groups through the awards.
Winners were. - Heritage and Environment: Oamaru Steam and Rail; commendation, Oamaru Harbour Redevelopment Group; runner-up, Friendly Bay Gardening Team.
Health and Wellbeing: Kurow St John; commendation, Otematata Volunteer Fire Brigade; runner-up, Friends of the Oamaru Hospital.
Arts and Culture: Musical Theatre Oamaru; runner-up, Central Coast Country Music Association.
Sport and Leisure: Mountain Biking North Otago; commendation, Oamerican and Allcomers Car Show Working Group; runner- up: North Otago Pony Club.
Education and Child-Youth Development: Air Training Corps 26 Squadron; runner-up, Altrusa Oamaru.
Waihemo Award: Puketapu Scout Group.
Youth Spirit: Waihemo, Emilee Oldham (East Otago High School); Waitaki, Alice Kingan (Waitaki Girls' High).
