CLT approves nearly $1 million in community grants
Central Lakes Trust (CLT) has approved $979,061 across its July and August board meetings, supporting health and wellbeing, arts and culture, education, and community recreation initiatives across the region.
Dunstan Hospital gets equipment boost
Dunstan Hospital in Clyde is set to significantly enhance its patient care capability, with CLT contributing $148,300 towards priority equipment upgrades.
The investment will help fund a range of clinical and community improvements, including an upgraded Xray detector wall stand to improve diagnostic imaging, a Panda Warmer for newborn care, a Lifepak 35 defibrillator for emergency response, a sterilizer to support safe and efficient clinical services, and a bainmarie for patient food services.
"This project has been carefully developed in consultation with our leadership and clinical staff," says Cath Haig, acting CEO for Central Otago Health Services Limited. "As healthcare demand grows and technology evolves, it's essential that our equipment remains current and capable of delivering safe, timely care. We also know how important it is to receive care close to home and this investment will make a real difference to the experience of everyone who comes through our doors."
Millers Flat War Memorial Baths goes solar
Built in 1954 as a memorial to the area's fallen soldiers, the Millers Flat War Memorial Baths are a well-loved community facility serving swimmers of all ages, from local school pupils to travelling
holidaymakers.
The baths are currently heated using a waste oil boiler — a system that demands significant volunteer time to maintain.
"Our volunteer pool managers currently spend in excess of 250 hours per season keeping the baths running, the vast majority of this time maintaining the boiler and sourcing and handling waste oil safely," says Scott Perkins, Secretary of Millers Flat Baths Incorporated. "A solar-powered system would significantly reduce this workload. It will also reduce carbon emissions and running costs associated with the purchase of the waste oil.
CLT has contributed $90,000 towards replacing the aging system with electric heat pumps powered by solar electricity, which is expected to generate enough power during the off-season to offset in-season operating costs.
Luggate playground gets room to grow
The Hopkins Street Playground in Luggate is being extended, with CLT contributing $34,045 towards three new pieces of equipment chosen through community consultation. The existing playground was installed in 2024 but scaled back at the time due to budget constraints.
"Luggate is a growing community, and this playground is well used by locals and visitors alike," says Judy Thompson, Chairperson of Luggate Community Association Incorporated. "This extension means we can offer even more for tamariki and whānau who come through, and we look forward to the community enjoying these new play opportunities."
