[cid:image004.png@01CC414C.B303EA80]Press release 13 July 2011

Call To Applicants For 2011 Skycity Queenstown Casino Community Trust

Local charities, trusts and community organisations in the Queenstown Lakes District are invited to submit their applications for consideration in the SKYCITY Queenstown Casino Community Trust 2011 funding round.

Since 2002 SKYCITY Queenstown Casino Community Trust has distributed over $900,000 to more than 240 community groups in the region, benefitting local schools, support groups and entertainment organisations as part of the Casino's commitment and contribution to the Queenstown Lakes District community.

Trust Chairman Clark Pirie said the funding call was open to all Queenstown-Lakes District community groups that had projects or initiatives that fitted the funding criteria.

"The purpose of the grants is to support community projects designed to improve the quality of life in the region, either through providing community care and counselling services, promoting arts and culture or providing initiatives that improve family well- being. The Trust looks carefully at each grant application to ensure the best possible use of the funds," he said.

Last year, $95,378 was awarded to 44 community groups. They included Queenstown Cricket Club which was awarded $2,500 to buy new floppy hats to help protect its young players from the harsh summer sun and Queenstown Playcentre which was given $1,250 for a new computer to replace their former one that had reached the advanced age (for a computer) of 15 years.

SKYCITY Queenstown Executive Manager Michelle Baillie said the company was committed to supporting and encouraging community spirit through its Community Trust and various sponsorships.

"We have been a proud and contributing member of the Queenstown community for over ten years and are always delighted to be able to support the community by distributing a significant amount of money to local groups," she said.

New to the Trust this year is trustee Kerry Harper, a Queenstown based Investment Advisor with Forsyth Barr. Ms Harper replaces Jim Ryan who retired from the Trust earlier this year.

Ms Baillie welcomed Ms Harper to the Trust saying her extensive experience in the finance sector and active contribution to the Queenstown community added valuable skills.

"Kerry has been involved in Rotary for 12 years and has worked as a volunteer at local sporting events. She has great knowledge of the community and we thank her for offering her skills and commitment to the Trust."

"We would also like to acknowledge our other Trustees and thank Jim Ryan for his outstanding contribution to the Trust over many years."

Other Trustees are Clark Pirie (Chair), Kim Wilkinson and Vicki Buckham. The deadline for application submissions is Friday 29 July at 5.00pm. Applicants can fill out an online application form or download a form at www.skycityqueenstown.co.nz/Grants

For more information or to read the terms and conditions please visit www.skycityqueenstown.co.nz/Grants

ENDS

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