How It Began
The Glenorchy Community Trust was established in 2016, with grant funding beginning in 2019. Between 2019 and 2025, Paul and Debbi Brainerd contributed $120,000 to support a wide range of community projects. Alongside them, generous locals, New Zealanders, and international visitors have also helped grow the Trust’s impact.
The Headwaters was brought to life through the vision and generosity of philanthropists Paul Brainerd (now late) and his wife Debbi. Their passion for community and environmentally focused projects began long before Glenorchy, through similar initiatives in North America. Over many years, they developed a deep connection to this place, returning often for holidays before eventually making it one of their homes.
Since 2019, grants have generally been capped at $5,000 for incorporated groups and $1,000 for individuals, with some flexibility in response to rising costs. As income from The Headwaters grows, so too will the Trust's ability to support more projects, while continuing to share funding fairly across the community.
How Decisions Are Made
Every application is thoughtfully considered by the Trustees of the Glenorchy Community Trust. We look at how each project connects to our community, how it aligns with the Trust’s aims, and the difference it could make locally. We value ideas that show strong community involvement, clear purpose, and good planning.
Applications are reviewed twice a year, in April and December, with funding rounds closing on 30 March and 30 November respectively.
Decisions are made collectively by the Trustees, with care taken to support a wide range of projects that will benefit Glenorchy now and into the future.
See our FAQS section for more helpful information.
Meet our Trustees
The Glenorchy Community Trust is guided by a dedicated and diverse group of local leaders. Our Trustees are committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen the vibrancy and resilience of the Glenorchy community.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Trustee, please contact us at secretary@glenorchycommunitytrust.co.nz.
Amanda Hasselman
Amanda has lived at the Head of the Lake since 1981 and she still thinks Glenorchy is the best place to be.
“Huss and I have farmed and raised four kids and have always been involved in the community. The Glenorchy Community Trust offers a great opportunity to support a broad range of community-based projects."
Callan Grimmer
Callan Grimmer has resided in Glenorchy for over 20 years. During this time he has been heavily involved in tourism both here in the region and internationally.
Grimmer, as he is know to everyone, has also been an active member in Ambulance Service both in Glenorchy and Queenstown over this period and is a big believer of giving back to what he considers to be a unique and special part of the world.
He is excited to see how the Glenorchy Community Trust can continue to support a wide range of important community projects.
Debbi Brainerd
Debbi first came to New Zealand over 20 years ago with her husband Paul to trek the Hollyford and Routeburn tracks. In 2012 they built a holiday home in Glenorchy, a place they believed to be one of the most beautiful in the world.
In 2014 they bought the campground for each other on Valentine’s Day, and eventually created Mrs. Woolly’s General Store and Camp Glenorchy as part of The Headwaters project. Debbi and her husband started The Glenorchy Community Trust to contribute the profits of The Headwaters back to the community.
Debbi previously founded IslandWood, a school in the woods, which provides hands-on environmental learning programs for 4th and 5th graders, on a 255-acre forested campus on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington.
When free time presents itself, Debbi enjoys horseback riding, hiking with friends, cooking, and one of her all-time favorites, being out in the paddocks with the local sheep.
Paul Ferris
Trust Chair
Paul and his wife Marie moved to the Head of the Lake after he retired from 36 years as a primary and secondary Principal. He received a QSM for his leadership in that role and is a Paul Harris Rotary Fellow.
His family have strong roots to the early Whakatipu and Glenorchy. Throughout his life he has either holidayed with family or hosted family in the Whakatipu. He can see that the changes in Queenstown indicate what will happen to Glenorchy over time, and he is anxious that we are much more aware of our relationship with the environment and the need to protect it for generations to come.
Through the work of the Trust, Paul hopes to see Glenorchy develop some of the resilience needed to sustain it over the long term as a great community and ensure it remains a great place for young and old.
Ronda Gollop
Ronda is a 5th generation Glenorchy resident and has lived in Glenorchy and Queenstown all her life.
She has seen many changes over the years and sees this Trust as an excellent opportunity to ensure great community projects get some support they need to help keep making Glenorchy a great place to live.
Katherine Cahill
Katherine is honoured to have lived in Glenorchy for the last 14 years and has strong connections with the community having worked in tourism, being involved in the Flower Show, Rural Women and establishing the local Book Club.
Katherine is excited about the incredible opportunity from the Glenorchy Community Trust to support the unique community and individuals that choose the head of the lake as their home.