Cullybackey Community Partnership recognised at Live Here Love Here Awards

Bertie McNeilly from Cullybackey Community Partnership, Richard Hanna from Cullybackey Community Partnership, Paul Christie from Cullybackey Community Partnership and Jonathan Fulton from Cullybackey Community Partnership are presented the Regional Champion Runner-Up from Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Tyler Hoey (centre)

Volunteers from Cullybackey Community Partnership were praised at the 2026 Live Here Love Here Community Awards, celebrating grassroots action that is reshaping towns and villages across Northern Ireland.

The awards, held on 19 February at Belfast City Hall and hosted by Joe Mahon, brought together community volunteers, council representatives and environmental organisations to honour those tackling littering, biodiversity loss, neglected spaces and climate change.

Transforming Cullybackey, season by season

Named runner-up for the Mid and East Antrim area, Cullybackey Community Partnership was recognised for its year-round environmental stewardship.

With 40 volunteers and strong links to local schools and youth groups, the partnership has steadily transformed the village landscape through regular planting schemes, tree care, litter picks and the creation of new green spaces — including a sensory community garden.

The work goes beyond appearance. By boosting biodiversity and strengthening community connection, the group’s efforts are also supporting wellbeing and reinforcing a renewed sense of pride in the village.

Their recognition places Cullybackey firmly among the borough’s most proactive environmental champions.

Charles Sheils Community named Regional Champions

While Cullybackey celebrated its runner-up success, the coveted Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Regional Champion Award went to Charles Sheils Community.

Christine Harper from Charles Sheils Community, Jo Adams from Charles Sheils Community, Katie Branagh from Charles Sheils Community and Jenny Hawthorne from Charles Sheils Community are presented the Regional Champion Award from Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Tyler Hoey (centre)

The Carrickfergus-based group was honoured for its 27-year commitment to caring for the historic Sheils Houses grounds. With more than 80 members and 25 weekly gardening volunteers, the group maintains green spaces, enhances biodiversity through tree care, composting and pollinator planting, and promotes sustainable “grow your own” practices.

The project also delivers vital wellbeing activities for older residents and offers school fieldwork and volunteering opportunities, creating what judges described as a thriving and inclusive community hub.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said:

“I am delighted to see Charles Shiels Community recognised as our Regional Champions. Their exceptional commitment to the care of such an historic local site is to be commended and makes the group worthy winners. It is also wonderful to see them bringing together of people of all ages, encouraging and supporting them in taking care of our green spaces.

“Congratulations to our Live Here Love Here winners, runners-up, and thank you to all those working to better our Borough and instil a sense of civic pride. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.”

Celebrating people-powered environmental action

The Live Here Love Here Community Awards are delivered in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), ten local councils and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

Thirteen awards were presented on the night, including Regional Champion Awards for each participating council area, alongside three special honours recognising long-term impact, community inclusion and emerging environmental leadership: the Bright Future Award, the Community Together Award and the Lasting Contribution Award.

Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, highlighted the importance of recognising everyday environmental action:

“At a time when the biodiversity and climate crises can feel overwhelming, the Live Here Love Here Community Awards shine a light on what is possible when people come together to take action locally.

“Groups like Charles Sheils Community and Cullybackey Community Partnership show that community-led environmental action really does make a difference – from protecting wildlife and restoring habitats to reducing waste and enhancing shared green spaces. When communities get involved, positive change really does grow from the ground up.”

She added:

“Live Here Love Here is about supporting people to take pride in where they live and to care for their local environment. We are incredibly grateful to DAERA, our council partners, the Housing Executive and our sponsors, Power NI and Helping Hand, for making these awards possible and helping us continue to grow environmental volunteering across Northern Ireland.”

The awards shine a spotlight on the power of local action — and for communities like Cullybackey, the recognition signals that steady, hands-on work close to home can carry impact far beyond village boundaries.