Raising awareness a sign of the times

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Pictured at the Network Tasman Trust sign unveiling at Saxton Velodrome: Rob Ford (Velodrome Trust), Trevor Tuffnell (TDC Councillor), Patrick Adamson (NTT trustee), Gwenny Davis (NTT Chair), Andrew Petheram (NCC Principal Parks and Facilities Asset Planner), Ian Barker (NTT Trustee), Jane Loughnan (NCC Parks and Facilities Activity Planner), and Richard Hollier (TDC Reserves and Facilities Manager).

Network Tasman Trust’s support for the local community has recently been made more visible to the public, after new signage was unveiled at Saxton Velodrome, the region’s purpose-built 24-hour open-air riding facility.

The Trust hopes this will raise awareness of the support it provides and encourage more groups and individuals to apply for a grant before submissions close on August 26.

The Saxton Velodrome, which opened in February 2018, provides facilities for those learning to ride along with a 333-metre track for more experienced riders, including both recreational and elite cyclists.

Until earlier this year, the one thing it lacked was a shaded area for events and for instructors and parents/caregivers to watch as their children learned how to ride – until a Network Tasman Trust grant was used to buy and instal shade sails.

PHOTO: MARTIN DE RUYTER/STUFF
Richmond’s street piano is looking, and sounding a lot better thanks to Stephanie Buck, right, and her friends.

The Trust’s new logo is featured on a sign near the shade sails, making it visible to both bike riders and their whānau.

“It’s great that we’ve been able to support the Saxton Velodrome because it’s an amazing facility for our region, which is well-used by cyclists of all ages and skill levels,” said Trust Chairperson Gwenny Davis.

“We’re also really pleased our support has been acknowledged, with the new sign, so that more people know about the opportunity to apply for a grant.”

Each year Network Tasman Charitable Trust distributes more than $100,000 in grants to community organisations and individuals. Last year, it allocated $156,449 to 77 community organisations and three individual applicants.

Davis says the Trust aims to support a range of projects, services, and activities across five main areas: social support services, sport and recreation, education, art and culture, and environmental and energy-saving.

For example, the MTB Trails Trust received a $2000 grant to build a new shed in St Arnaud, where a variety of tools and equipment required for maintenance of more than 50 kilometres of mountainbike trails are now stored.

It not only makes life easier for volunteers, but also ensures they don’t inadvertently bring in any contaminants or seeds, protecting the region from gorse and broom.

Wakefield Community Toy Library received a $1500 grant to purchase locally made wooden toys as well as popular toys, board games and the odd big-ticket item from major retailers, including a brand-new remote-control car.

Stephanie Buck was one of the individuals who received a grant, which she used to repair the Richmond community piano.

Golden Bay Animal Welfare Society received a grant to trap, desex, tame and re-home stray and feral kittens

Golden Bay Animal Welfare Society received a $3000 grant to help volunteers trap, desex, tame and re-home stray and feral kittens, who have often been abandoned or dumped.

“It’s not fair on the cats, as many don’t survive, but it’s also decimating our skink and bird populations,” said Lis Pedersen.

“We’re just so grateful to Network Tasman Trust, the grant was a huge help.”

Davis said: “We know that there are increasing demands on the community sector so we’re proud to be able to do our small part to support our community.”

The region’s mountainbikers haven’t been forgotten about either, with the MBT Trails Trust receiving a $2000 grant.