A wealth of successful initiatives earned Waimate Grey Power the achievement award for an association of up to 500 members.
Among its many commendable activities, Waimate Grey Power followed up on a Waimate District Council survey which could be accessed only through the council website. The association felt this didn’t provide a balanced view as many people did not have a computer or sufficient technical skills beyond basic use of a computer.
Thankfully, council took up the association’s offer for its members to assist people in filling out the survey. The initiative was so successful, the council offered the same service through the local library and the Saturday community market which helped raise Grey Power’s profile in the district.
Working with Timaru District Council Road Safety Co-ordinator to organise a Mobility Scooter workshop at the Lister Home Rest Home and Hospital in Waimate was another success.
Heartlands Mobility in Timaru provided two different sized mobility scooters for people to examine and try. Training involved two hour-long sessions, first theory followed by an hour of practical instruction around a cone course and on the footpath.
Waimate Grey Power further compiled a mobility scooter information brochure which was distributed to businesses and medical centres. It included purchase details such as legal requirements, safe driving, and frequently asked questions.
During the year, the association’s submissions to the Waimate District Council on improving poorly maintained footpaths and road crossings resulted in various improvements being made including the painting of disabled signs on footpaths close to crossings.
Not resting on its laurels, the association has worked with the Timaru and Temuka Grey Power Associations to revive ‘Friends of the Hospital’, an initiative started in 1958 but later disbanded.
The aims of the new group are:
- To create a support group to ensure that Timaru Public Hospital provides specialised care at the current level or above
- To facilitate funding for desirable extras for Timaru Public Hospital and Talbot Park
- To enhance the environment for the hospital’s patients and staff.
- To collaborate with other service organisations to form a co-ordinated approach for raising funds
- To collaborate with Timaru Public Hospital management
A number of projects to enhance visitor and patient hospital visits were also suggested.
In addition, the Waimate Grey Power secretary is now on the committee for the Waimate Community Vehicle Trust. The Trust provides transport for people from Oamaru to Timaru Airport and occasionally to Dunedin, mostly for medical appointments.
These were just some of Waimate Grey Power’s effective community activities earning it a well-deserved award.