Local heroes were celebrated on Thursday, 3 October, at the 2024 Mayoral Community Awards, where Waikato District Mayor Jacqui Church honoured volunteers from across the region. Among the 23 recipients were volunteers nominated by Mayor Jacqui, councillors, and community boards for their dedicated service to the Waikato community.
In a special gesture, Mayor Jacqui also acknowledged all volunteer fire brigades in the district. Recognising their work beyond firefighting, she highlighted their roles in emergency response, civil defence, and medical situations.
“Your generosity and commitment help bring our vision of Liveable, Thriving, and Connected communities to life,” Mayor Jacqui said. “You are the heart of our district, strengthening the resilience that keeps us going.”
From Raglan, Sarah Johnson received recognition for her unwavering support of local sports and youth. Known as an unsung hero, she manages Raglan Area School’s senior football team, organises fundraisers, and assists with initiatives like ‘Feed the Kids’ each Wednesday. Sarah also supports trips to writers’ festivals, school camps, and other community activities.
The Raglan Volunteer Fire Brigade, represented by Frank Turner, was also honoured. Operating for 70 years, the brigade’s 26 members handle over 100 callouts annually, offering support to the community whenever needed.
