Lisburn Castlereagh's Community Heroes Celebrate
March 13, 2020
Local individuals and organisations from across the Lisburn Castlereagh area were recognised at the Mayor’s Community Awards last night (12 March).
The awards, held in Lagan Valley Island, recognised the hard work and dedication of all those working within our local community. The talented Fusion Theatre provided entertainment and the compere for the evening was John Daly.
The winners of the categories were-
Helping Hands Award
Caring Communities Safe & Well Volunteer Befrienders
Brian McDowell Voluntary Commitment to Your Community Award
Fred Walsh, Lisburn Voluntary Laundry Service
Youth Leadership Award
The Base Drop In Centre
Community Leadership Award
Alison Knox, LCC Community Trust
Charity of the Year Award
Dungoyne Football Club
Making a Difference Award
Tracey Elliott, St John Ambulance (Lisburn Unit)
Mayor’s Choice Award
Tracey Elliott, St John Ambulance (Lisburn Unit)
Speaking about the event, the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Alan Givan, commented: “Throughout my mayoral term to date I have met many groups and individuals. I am delighted that this evening we can acknowledge all the good work that takes places across a variety of sectors and how this influences the lives of so many people within our local community. The work of volunteers and organisations is truly inspirational and I commend all those who selflessly dedicate time to support others.
“It is this type of work that the Mayor’s Community Awards have been designed to give well deserved recognition to. Bringing all of these inspirational people under the one roof is our way of saying thank you. Well done to all our winners, the shortlisted nominees and to those who took the time to nominate their community heroes. I want to also thank our partners; the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, Volunteer Now and the Education Authority for their input to the Awards which demonstrated strong inter-agency working.”
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA, said: “I am delighted to attend this evenings event to celebrate the outstanding work of local community groups and individual volunteers for their work and achievements in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Area.
“The Voluntary and Community Sector has long played a key role in working with government to build strong and vibrant communities. My Department is proud to support community development on the ground and I am continually impressed by the range and quality of the services that you deliver.
“Tonight is a celebration for all of you in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area and while there are seven specific award categories, every one of you present here tonight and the many others not here, are all to be celebrated equally.’’
The council received a total of 80 nominations from different sectors within in the Lisburn Castlereagh area including: community, health and wellbeing, active lifestyles, faith based, education, counselling and listening, environmental, conservation, supporting people with disabilities, women’s, men’s and youth groups, arts, sports and music.
Alderman James Tinsley, Chairman of the council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, commented: “The council is proud to operate this awards scheme through its Community Services Unit. It is an opportunity for individuals to let us know what others are doing in the community and provide us with the chance to give back to our unsung heroes. We are delighted to acknowledge all the good work they do within the Lisburn Castlereagh community. Without these dedicated individuals, organisations and groups a lot of valuable work would not take place in the Lisburn Castlereagh area. Well done to all the winners and nominees.”
The Mayor’s Community Awards is an annual celebration of those Community Heroes that strive to improve the lives of the local Lisburn Castlereagh community.