Making a difference in Queenstown

Supporting projects that help families and enrich the quality of life.

That’s the aim of the SKYCITY Queenstown Casino Community Trust, which helps community groups across the Queenstown-Lakes District.

Now they can apply for funding from the SKYCITY Queenstown Casino Community Trust, which last year donated NZ$128,684 to 45 worthy groups.

“Our Community Trust provides invaluable help to groups that make a positive difference in the Queenstown-Lakes District,” says Queenstown General Manager Jonathan Browne.

Since 2003, the Trust has distributed more than NZ$1.4 million to 467 community groups.

Trust Chairman Clark Pirie says funding’s given to projects that focus on arts and culture, improve the well-being of families, community care or counselling services.  

“The demand for funding is high and every year we have tough decisions to make. But we strive to make sure the funds are put to the best use possible,” says Mr Pirie.

Among those who benefited last year was the Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Group.

Its founder Peter Willsman says the funding helps his group tackle wilding pines which invade our mountains and smother and kill native vegetation and food for birds.

“We used the SKYCITY grant to purchase loppers and saws to assist the wonderful people who have adopted a plot and are busy cutting the wildings along the Ben Lomond track. 

“About a 100 people have been or are busy cutting wildings from areas such as Ben Lomond, Mt Dewar, Saw Pit Gulley. With good quality tools the task is so much easier!”

Funding applications can be made until 5.00pm, Friday 29 July.  To find out more about who can apply and how.