Dot McCulloch is this year’s recipient of the Tairāwhiti Community Voice’s Nan Evans Award for “strength of spirit and dedicated work for your community”.

The Brain Injury Association Gisborne nominated Dot McCulloch for her service to Care and Craft Gisborne for the past 30-plus years.

“Dot ensures each person who attends has the support they need at home or has access to the support they need,” her citation said.

“Dot takes time to share her skills with those who are willing to learn.

“Dot’s persistent determination has seen Care and Craft survive this long in our community in order to help those who attend to thrive. For some, this is a place to be on Tuesday mornings. For others, this is a safe space to talk with their friends. For others, it is a space to do their crafts with others.

“Each week there is knitting, mat making, jigsaw puzzles, cane work and other interests with an amazing cooked lunch each week for those in attendance. Care and Craft is now the only day programme elderly people and those with a disability can attend. Dot is providing a social activity to regain and learn new skills.

“People who attend are those who have had a brain injury, stroke, are deaf, or simply interested in learning.

“Dot provides a holistic approach to people’s wellbeing. With no one to take it over for her Dot continues to provide this service well into her retirement years. Dot provides this service with minimal volunteers. Those she has are amazing, but more would be great.

“Dot continues to go over and above and beyond her responsibility to these people and nurtures them individually and as a group. People feel supported and part of society.”

The award, first presented in 2018, is named in honour of Nan Evans who was the founding member of Tairāwhiti Community Voice (formerly known as GISCOSS) and an advocate for community development.