Four Southlanders have received Community Service Awards from the Southland District Council for contributions to their communities.

Long-serving Winton community volunteer Peter King has been a member of Winton Rotary for around 40 years and also played a leading role in many Rotary projects in the area, including the very successful Winton Trail.

Since the trails completion, seven years ago, King took on the responsibility of weedspraying the entire circuit. The sprightly 87 year old would routinely walk the track each day, find spots that needed attention, then pick a calm period to do the spraying.

His efforts kept the trail in great condition to be enjoyed by thousands of walkers and cyclists.

King has also voluntarily contributed much to planting and pruning, particularly at Moores Reserve, where he has nurtured hundreds of native trees and shrubs for the benefit of the public and Winton’s beautification.

King received a Community Service Award from the Oreti Community Board and Southland District Council at a ceremony at Winton’s Middle Pub on Friday (10 June).

From left, Ardlussa Community Board chair Richard Clarkson and Southland District councillor Rob Scott with Community Service Award winners Erin and David Hurley. Photo: Supplied

Long-serving Riversdale St John volunteers David and Erin Hurley have been awarded a Community Service Award for services to their community.

Mr Hurley started volunteering for St John in 1995, becoming station manager in 2008. He is also a Brother of St John.

Mrs Hurley joined St John in 2000.

Both volunteer as St John paramedics at Riversdale Rugby Club home fixtures.

The couple are also custodians of the Riversdale Community Centre and are involved with the Riversdale Lions Club, Mrs Hurley for 25 years.

Mr Hurley has been a member of the Riversdale Fire Brigade for more than 25 years, and been a member of the Riversdale Rugby Club since schoolboy level.

He is also a life member of the New Zealand crossbreed shearing championships.

They were presented with their award, from the Ardlussa Community Board and Southland District Council, at a packed presentation at the Riversdale Rugby Club on Saturday (11 June).

Southland District Mayor Gary Tong (left) and Ardlussa Community Board chair Richard Clarkson with Community Service Award winner Ziggy Roy (centre). Photo: Supplied

Balfour’s Ziggy Roy has also been honoured with a Community Service Award by the Ardlussa Community Board and Southland District Council.

Roy is involved in numerous organisations, including the Balfour Theatre Company, Balfour Home and School, and formerly the Balfour Community Development Area Subcommittee and Balfour Playcentre.

A passionate and highly regarded volunteer in her community, Roy's citation described her as a great asset to Balfour, contributing boundless energy and positivity.

Roy almost single-handedly organises, coaches and directs the biannual school production.

“Her enthusiasm for this and the children is amazing,” the citation read.

“She gives our Balfour schoolchildren an amazing, inspiring experience. The support and coaching of the children is awesome and gives the children great confidence on the stage."

“She does more than working with the children when organising the show. She co-ordinates stage design, costumes, parent help, script sound and props."

“Ziggy is always there to lend a hand when it comes to our community. She will roll up her sleeves with a smile and get on with the job. She doesn’t shy away from working bees or fundraisers."

“She is a true asset to our community and deserves this award as a sign of our appreciation from a very grateful Balfour community.,” it said.