Mayor recognised contribution of the Local Community at Gala Awards
March 16, 2018
Sixty four local individuals and voluntary organisations from across the Lisburn Castlereagh area were recognised at the recent Mayor’s Community Awards held in at Lagan Valley Island.
Guests included the Queen’s Representative, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, Freddie Hall OBE DL, along with representatives from the Council`s partner organisations in the awards, Volunteer Now, the Education Authority and the South East Health & Social Care Trust. Entertainment was provided by the very talented Rodd Hogg and the compére for the evening was Pete Snodden.
The Mayor’s Community Awards acknowledged all nominees with a certificate of recognition for their invaluable contribution within our communities. The following category winners also received awards:
Young Champion of the Year Award, Cameron Williams, Lisburn Hub.
Team Spirit Award, Alcohol and You Team.
Arts & Culture Award, Sunflowerfest.
Bringing Communities Together Award, Valerie Douglas, Ballymacash Regeneration Network.
Fundraiser of the Year Award, Nikki Donnelly, Moneyreagh & District Community Association.
Community Impact Award, Atlas Women’s Centre.
Office Bearer Award, Mary Agnew, LCC Community Trust.
Brian MacDowell Life-Long Commitment Award, Gary McMichael, ASCERT.
The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Tim Morrow, speaking about the event, said: “All our nominees, nominators and guests enjoyed the evening and I was very pleased to have the opportunity to host this event which recognised the hard work and dedication of all those who work within the community across the Lisburn Castlereagh area.
“The Scheme recognises those in the voluntary and community sector and included those who give up their time to volunteer. It is the selfless work of these committed individuals and organisations which help to build strong communities and make the lives of people of everyone better.
“It has been inspirational to see the amount of work that goes on across a variety of sectors within our communities; and the beneficial impacts that these deeds have had on so many areas of need throughout the Council area. Each of our volunteers should be very proud of the work they do,” concluded Mayor Morrow.
The Council received nominations from different sectors within in the Lisburn Castlereagh area including: community, health and well-being, 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.
The Mayor thanked the Council’s 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.
Alderman James Tinsley, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, speaking about the awards scheme, said: “The Council operates this Awards scheme through its Community Services Section to give back to local individuals and groups who are unsung heroes within the Council area. We are very pleased to publicly acknowledge all the good work they do at home or in the community. Without these dedicated individuals, organisations and groups a lot of valuable work would not take place in the Lisburn Castlereagh area.”
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is looking forward to the 2019 Mayor’s Community Awards.