Jemma Adams will take over the reins as the new Chief Executive of Otago Community Trust next month, Ms Adams fills the vacancy left by former Chief Executive Barbara Bridger who resigned at the beginning of 2023.

Welcome to our August eNewsletter. The first few months of our financial year are typically busy for the Trust, and this certainly has been the case for 2023. We were delighted to announce in early June that Jemma Adams has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Otago Community Trust.

Trustees and staff of Otago Community Trust warmly invite you to attend the 35th Annual Public Meeting of Otago Community Trust. This will be held on Monday 25 September, starting 4.00pm at Oamaru Opera House. All members of the community welcome.

Otago Community Trust was pleased to announce the first recipients of its Rangatahi-Led Fund. The Ōtepoti Dunedin Rangatahi-Led Fund opened in early June with the criteria to fund projects and events that were run by rangatahi; help rangatahi connect; promote diversity and provide new, creative ideas for youth engagement. This is the first of four rangatahi-led funds launched by Otago Community Trust as part of its commitment in 2022 to fund rangatahi (young people) development activities under its tamariki and rangatahi strategy.

Below is a quick summary of our recent grant approvals for June and July 2023.

The Forestry Pathways program at Tokomairiro High School is providing practical education and hands-on experience - empowering young students to discover their potential in the forestry industry.

The Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival is a celebration of writers, readers, ideas and all things literature. Otago Community Trust is proud to provide funding support to this unique and popular festival each year. With the 2023 Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival moved to October there is plenty of time to plan a weekend escape to Dunedin and join like-minded book lovers as they gather around the ancient fire of story.

Below are links to a number of funding opportunities that may assist you and / or your organisation, including a reminder that the Trust’s capability funding closes on the 30th of October.

Nominate the Kiwi from all walks of life that make you proud to call New Zealand home. The people making waves in your community, our nation′s heroes, the future thinkers and those building a legacy. This is your chance to showcase them to the country and celebrate the legends making a difference.

We are delighted to see the remarkable 62km extension to the renowned Clutha Gold Trail is nearing completion and is scheduled to open in the coming months.This ambitious project will connect the existing network of trails in Central Otago and Clutha, establishing a continuous cycle path all the way to the East Coast - through previously inaccessible areas in the Lawrence, Waitahuna, Milton and Lake Waihola.

The Hāwea Community Association is a community-based incorporated society, established to promote the interests, needs, and well-being of our Hāwea community and the surrounding environment. The association has a variety of sub-committees, including foreshore re-vegetation and beautification of the Hāwea Lakefront, Guardians of Lake Hāwea, and recreational play space development.

A small reminder that applications are now open for our amazing new Clutha Rangatahi / Youth - Led Fund. This Fund is offering up to $5,000 for youth-led initiatives in the Clutha district. The closing date for applications has been extended to 20th August 2023.

Charities Services will be providing a new Charities Act Hub to provide information about the upcoming Charities Act changes and the changes to reporting requirements that are administered by The External Reporting Board (XRB).

💥 SAVE THE DATES! 💥 Make a note in your diary and let your teammates know - the dates are set for the 2024 Otago Community Trust New Zealand Masters Games. The team at Otago Community Trust can't wait to enter!