About the community group/organisation/individual

Omaui Camp, run by the YMCA Invercargill Charitable Trust, is used by local schools for school camps and PE/outdoor education.  The facilities are also used by the wider community.

Located between Invercargill and Bluff, nestled in the village of Omaui, the camp  is within walking distance to a beach overlooking the New River Estuary and the Omaui Scenic Reserve walking track.

The trust is undertaking repairs and maintenance to secure the long-term future of the community asset.  The first phase involved converting from a hot water system to gas, replacing diesel cooker/electric stoves with gas hobs/electric oven, and installing heat pumps in lounge and dormitories.

The second phase involves replacing water mains and fittings, purchasing new mattresses and upgrading the bathrooms and outdoor areas.

What the grant went towards

The ILT Foundation approved a grant of $14,654 to the YMCA Invercargill Charitable Trust to assist with phase two of the renovation work, including upgrading the bathrooms and purchasing mattresses for the camp dormitories.

What the grant means to the community group/organisation

“This project is really exciting because it not only addresses some of the challenges for user groups, but also future proofs the facility, allowing a wider range of groups to use it,” YMCA Invercargill Charitable Trust chief executive Vanessa Hughey said.

“Usually the camp is empty in winter due to a lack of heating. This project allows us to utilise the facility year round.”