The Invercargill Southland community have once again showed their support of volunteers, with 54 entries being received for the TrustPower Invercargill Southland Community Awards.

The TrustPower Invercargill Southland Community Awards recognise and reward volunteers for the outstanding contribution they make to their local community. The Awards are run in conjunction with the Invercargill City Council and the Southland District Council.

TrustPower Community Relations Representative Jess Somerville is thrilled that so many hard working voluntary and community groups will be celebrated through the Awards.

"Volunteers power countless groups in the community and everyday Invercargill and Southland community members benefit from their hard work. These people work above and beyond their call of duty and I am really looking forward to learning about their achievements," says Miss Somerville.

"Also a massive thanks to all of those who entered a group," she says.

The Awards cover five categories; Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure, and Education and Child/Youth Development. The category winners receive $500 and runners-up receive $250. The Supreme Winner will take home $1,500, a trophy, framed certificate and an all-expenses paid trip to the TrustPower National Community Awards, being held in the Far North district in March 2013.

The entries for the TrustPower Invercargill Southland Community Awards are currently being prepared for judging. The Awards will be announced and presented at a function on Monday 1 October, to which all entered organisations will be invited. Media are welcome to attend.