In June 2022, QLDC sought interest from community groups and community services about an  opportunity on a site at the Event Centre to develop community focused social services which were complimentary to QEC whilst providing tangible community benefits.

The WCHCT jumped at the opportunity and submitted an extensive expression of interest

Project administrator appointed 

Recently appointed project administrator of the Whakatipu Community Hub, Sharon Salmons is
already deep into building the Hub’s foundations of support and partnership, alongside creating a
website that will keep the project in the public eye.

Ms Salmons started in the role a week ago after many years in tourism and non-profit management
and is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

The Hub is to be delivered through a partnership between central government, private donors,
community trusts, local government and the social services sector to provide badly needed
community facilities.

John MacDonald, chair of the Whakatipu Community Hub Charitable Trust says the trustees are
delighted with the appointment and warmly welcome Ms Salmons to the organisation.
“We now need the support of a professional to identify needs and keep the process rolling as we
bring together the elements of funding with community needs and those who supply them. Sharon
has the skills to complete the day to day project management tasks, as well as the drive, relationship
building skills and commitment needed to work with the many parties involved.”

Ms Salmons says she’s proud to be involved in a project that has community support at its heart.
“I’ve been part of this community for 23 years and am happy to work to get this project off the
ground. My biggest skill is problem solving and I enjoy a challenge. There is a clear need to align the
values of the community sector, social agencies and those of the Trust to make sure we are always
on track.”

​The Whakatipu Community Hub is envisaged as a multi-storey building that will provide suitable,
specifically designed spaces for groups in an environment that encourages sharing of resources.
There will also be meeting and seminar rooms and welcoming public spaces.
“We want to provide a building which suits the needs of everyone who will use it. Sharon is
continuing discussions with social agencies and other stakeholders to continue to monitor and
increase their input so we achieve the best possible outcome for their clients/members and for the
Whakatipu communities.