The Central Otago Awards paid tribute to businesses and people who made a contribution above and beyond the call of duty, Mayor Tony Lepper said.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, held in Alexandra last night, Mr Lepper said the function was an important event to showcase and recognise the efforts of the district's youth, volunteers and entrepreneurs.
Last night's guest speaker was John Perriam, of Bendigo Station.
The event is organised by the Central Otago District Council.
The youth winners were Alex Pasco, of Roxburgh (enterprise award), and Ella Borrie (culture award) and Marnie Murphy-Mannering (leadership and community service award), both of Cromwell. All three are aged 17. Alex and Ella were also Otago Daily Times Class Act award recipients last week.
The youth award judges, Amy Scott, Clair Higginson, Hilary Allison, Paul Allison and Mr Lepper, described Ella as an "outstanding young woman with an awesome attitude".
Community service award recipients were Bettie Lawson, of Roxburgh, Ken Gillespie, of Oturehua, and Dave Ramsay, of Alexandra.
Mrs Lawson was described as the "Mother Theresa of the Teviot Valley."
Her contribution to the Teviot district has spanned more than 50 years.
The tourism award was won by The Shed, at Northburn Station.
