Brightwater residents Pat Lithgow and Diane Drogemuller are among the winners of the Tasman District Council’s Outstanding Community Service Awards 2020. The awards recognise the region’s volunteer heroes whose continued dedication, generosity and kindness over the last 20 years has been greatly appreciated in the local area.
“Pat has always given his best to help the community, especially in leading roles,” says nominator for both winners, Councillor Anne Turley. “With the support of his wife Angela he has been involved in multiple projects that enhance the community’s well-being and safety.”
With funding from the Council, Pat and Angela renovated the Village Green gardens, and he was also the catalyst for completing the car park behind the Green, as well as building the picnic table.
He also arranged for a book exchange on the Green, which is due for completion soon, and for several public seats to be built, including a seat of remembrance in front of the Anzac Memorial.
Pat serves on the local committee of Ulysses New Zealand, as well as the Nelson Motorcycle Safety Group. He also served for four years on Road Safe Top of the South.
“There are so many other volunteers who never get a mention,” says Pat. “The spotlight shouldn’t only be on a few of us. So many people go under the radar, so I’ll accept my award for us all.”
Diane Drogemuller is also a valuable member of the Brightwater community who has gone above and beyond, time and time again.
She’s been on the Brightwater Recreation Reserve Management Committee for 35 years, being chairperson for four years, and has looked after Centennial Park grounds all the while. Diane’s valuable service through the Wanderers Club sees her wearing many hats, not least when she cooks up a storm in the kitchen for many a hungry player. The co-ordination role she held during the Pigeon Valley Fires, where she became a base for the fire crews to eat and sleep and a drop off point for people to donate food for those affected, illustrates her dedication to service.
She’s also co-ordinated building projects, supervised community work and been involved with a myriad of roles associated with cricket, tennis and rugby. The projects she has been behind over the years are infinite and there are far too many to count or even remember.
“I’ve lived in Brightwater for 45 years and have been involved in so much it’s hard to even recall most of it”, says Diane. “I’d be hard pushed to be classed as a ‘local’ even after all these years as there are some who have been here since day dot! It’s great that I’ve been recognised, and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.”
Nominations for the 2021 awards close on 30th June. Nominees must be residents of Tasman District to qualify. They must have been involved in a range of voluntary activities that have benefited their community for 20 years or more. Fire Service personnel must have served 35 years to be eligible.
A committee comprising the Mayor and other members of Council meets to evaluate the nominees and their contributions, and then winners are chosen.
To nominate someone, go to tasman.govt.nz and download a nominee form.