Unsung local heroes are honoured at awards gala

Over 45 nominees across all of the award categories were presented with a certificate and all nominees and their nominators were invited to the event along with elected representatives.

The Adult Volunteer of the Year award went to Cecil Walker from Lisburn Cricket Club and the Young Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Emma O’Neill from the Glenavy Youth Project. The Supporting Volunteering Award for a small group went to Dunmurry Community Association and the Supporting Volunteering Award for a large group was presented to Lisburn Citizens Advice Bureau.

Speaking about the event Mayor of Lisburn, Alderman Paul Porter, said: “I found the evening to be quite overwhelming despite being very aware of all the good work that takes place regularly in the Lisburn area.

“During my term as Mayor one of my objectives was to promote the importance of the voluntary sector within Lisburn and this event is just one of the means I have utilised.

“There was a wealth of people in the Island Hall of varying ages, with every person there contributing to society in some way through volunteering. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of Lisburn’s volunteers for giving up their time as this is what makes our communities great.

“The rationale of the Council in operating this Awards scheme is to give something back to the people who sacrifice their free time to help others either at home or in the community. These are the unsung heroes in our City, with so much valuable work depending on their voluntary effort and it is a privilege for Lisburn City Council to honour their dedication.

“Congratulations are due to Cecil, Emma, Dunmurry Community Association and Lisburn Citizens Advice Bureau,” he concluded.

Speaking at the Awards, Social Development Minister Alex Attwood praised local volunteers and the Council and said: “Volunteerism is a fantastic tradition and a glue that holds this community together. Each person can make such a massive contribution to their community, everyone has the ability to offer something and together that makes the community a strong and safer place to live and work.

“When you volunteer, you make a positive contribution every day about the kind of community you want to live in. Volunteers deserve praise but that’s not why they do it, they do it because they want to. That’s the magic of it.”

The Mayor also expressed appreciation to the event’s partners, Volunteer Now, South Eastern Education and Library Board and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust for their input to the Awards.