Western Southland and Fiordland communities came together today (14 Jun) to recognise and celebrate the community service of three of their own.

Te Anau resident Carol Brown was presented with a community service award by Southland District Mayor (SDC) Gary Tong.

Brown has had a 35 year career with the local St John ambulance including rostering personnel.

She was also involved with Fiordland's community shuttle and aged care.

For many years Brown operated the area's ship to shore radio.

She was a great asset during search and rescue operations, said retire Police sergeant Lloyd Mathieson.

Darcy Burgess, Jasmine and Jenne Burgess, Ella Burgess, Julie Burgess, Chloé Burgess and Alister Burgess.

Manapouri resident Alister Burgess also received his community service award today from SDC mayor Gary Tong.

SDC councilor Ebel Kramer described Burgess as a strong keen community man who likes his hunting and fishing.

But when he sees something that needs to be done, he rallies around the community and gets it done, Kramer said.

A member of the Manapouri Weedbusters, Burgess was known for sorting weeds and working towards the beautification of the lakeside town.

Glenda Templeton, Tuatapere Te Waewae Community Board chairperson Margaret Thomas, Gary Templeton and Cr George Harpur at today's presentation.

Tuatapere's Gary Templeton was presented with his award today by SDC councilor George Harpur.

Templeton has had an association spanning many decades with the district's various sporting clubs, including rugby, bowls, boxing and woodchopping.

He has both coached, administrated and supported many of these codes as they have travelled to compete throughout the province, country and internationally.

Templeton has also been involved with the Tuatapere Trail and was heavily involved with the Tuatapere Domain Board.