Winton volunteer honoured with Community Service Award

A Winton volunteer described as “the epitome of community service” has been honoured with a Community Service Award by the Oreti Community Board and Southland District Council.

Guy Johnstone was presented with the award by Oreti Community Board chair Colin Smith and Southland District Deputy Mayor Christine Menzies at a function at the Winton Fire Brigade base on Saturday 8 July 2023.

He was nominated by the late Ann Robbie QSM. Her husband Peter was present at the ceremony.

The citation praises Mr Johnstone’s willingness to assist others. “He never turns down the opportunity to help. If he sees or hears of people in need, Guy and his wife Charlotte are always keen to help.”

A proactive fundraiser for charity, Mr Johnstone has been a member of the Winton Volunteer Fire Brigade for 24 years.

He has competed in the fire service Sky Tower Challenge three times, raising money for child cancer treatment and the Leukaemia Foundation.

He organised and completed a 28-hour cyclethon, raising more than $5,000 for cancer research in the process. As well, he has taken part several times in the Bluff to Queenstown scooter challenge, raising money for prostate cancer.

Mr Johnstone helped with the refurbishment of the Winton bird bath memorial, replacing lost stones and cleaning.

He is a regularly involved in Anzac Day parades, often cooking breakfast for other participants.

In her nomination, Ann Robbie says “Guy has a special way of helping people or organisations. His input is massive, yet his footprint and visibility are minute. He just gets in and does his job, willingly and without fuss.”