The Community Trust of Southland has given Glenorchy $15,000
towards its 2012 celebration of 150 years of European
settlement in Glenorchy, 100 years of the district's old
lifeline TSS Earnslaw and 50 years of the
Queenstown-Glenorchy road.
The community had identified key projects to mark the
occasion, which will be officially celebrated at Labour
Weekend.
Glenorchy Heritage Museum Group spokeswoman Elaine Kirkland
said the group would meet next weekend to discuss details of
the weekend and how the money would be spent.
Mrs Kirkland said the majority of the donation would go
towards the community's plan to restore the library and
produce a DVD about the construction of the Glenorchy road.
"Many of those involved are now elderly and it is important
to capture their stories on how such a major development was
achieved."
She said the trust's support meant plans could now be put
into action.
"It's quite a significant contribution towards the total
cost. We should begin both the library and DVD projects early
in the New Year."
Community Trust of Southland chief executive John Prendergast
said the trust wanted the town's history recognised and
celebrated.
"For such a small community, its willingness to work hard and
get the job done has been and still is something to be
acknowledged."
More than 400 people expected to attend the weekend's
celebrations.
"We have no idea how many will show up on the day, of course,
but we are expecting over 400, as we've had many past and
present residents interested in the day."
Earnslaw will visit the town on the Sunday and a giant
picnic will be held on Labour Day.
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