Live Here Love Here, Northern Ireland’s people-powered campaign dedicated to promoting civic pride and fostering environmental stewardship, has announced the recipients of its 2024 Community Awards.
The awards, sponsored by Belfast Harbour and supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), took place on 29 February, and celebrated the many individuals, schools, and community organisations, that dedicate their time to improving the environment through activities such as education, litter-picking, and tackling biodiversity loss.
Following a nomination period which was open to the public throughout January, 12 awards were distributed on the evening. Susan Brown was awarded the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Champions Award in recognition of her commitment to regularly visiting areas most in need of clean-ups and working with the council to identify ‘litter black spots’ where additional litter bins need to be installed as part of her volunteer work with the group, Countryside Custodians. Tom McGrory was also recognised for his contribution to litter-picking and raising awareness around dog fouling, including campaigning for additional signs and patrols in the area.
Councillor Thomas Beckett, chair of our Communities and Wellbeing Committee said: “The Live Here Love Here Champions Award recognises the hard work and dedication of individuals and organisations in local council areas. Lisburn and Castlereagh is a beautiful place to live and work in, or to visit. We are very fortunate that so many people in the community are as proud of it as we are and take the time to help us look after it. This Award is our opportunity to recognise their commitment and say thank you.”
Eight additional Champions Awards were also presented to people and groups from Live Here Love Here’s Council partner areas. The Legacy Award was presented to Tidy Randalstown for their long-standing commitment to environmental causes and community service, whilst the Rising Star Award, which acknowledged up-and-coming environmental leaders, was awarded to Rebekah Bajko. Ark Community Gardens received the Community Together Award, supported by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, in acknowledgement of their efforts to address community division through environmental action.
2024 marks 10 years of Live Here Love Here, detailing the campaign’s ongoing commitment to improving communities across Northern Ireland and empowering people to protect the environment.
Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, said, “Our Community Awards are always a highlight, not only because they recognise and honour the diverse environmental contributions made by community members across Northern Ireland, but also because it’s an opportunity for us to reflect on the success of the Live Here Love Here programme. This year’s instalment is made all the more special as we’re marking ten years of community support for the campaign. We extend our warmest congratulations to all the nominees and recipients – their remarkable achievements will inspire others to join the moment towards a cleaner, greener, and more connected Northern Ireland. We also extend our thanks to DAERA, Belfast Harbour, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and our nine council partners whose support has been instrumental in the positive momentum of Live Here Love Here.”
Some of Live Here Love Here’s initiative include Big Spring Clean and Adopt a Spot. For more information visit liveherelovehere.org