Fermanagh and Omagh Community groups 'clean up' at Live Here Love Here annual awards

LIVE Here Love Here, the people-powered campaign dedicated to improving local environments and inspiring civic pride, has announced the Fermanagh and Omagh winners at its 2026 Community Awards. Held on February 19 at Belfast City Hall and hosted by TV presenter Joe Mahon, the event brought together community volunteers, council representatives, environmental organisations and partners to celebrate the vital role local people play in caring for Northern Ireland’s natural and built environment.

The Live Here Love Here Community Awards – 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 – recognise outstanding voluntary action tackling some of our most pressing environmental challenges, including littering, biodiversity loss, neglected spaces and climate change.

On the night, 13 awards were presented, including Regional Champion Awards for each participating council area, as well as three special awards recognising long-term impact, community inclusion and emerging environmental leadership: the Bright Future Award, the Community Together Award and the Lasting Contribution Award.

Owenkillew Community Centre has been named the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Regional Champion in recognition of its exceptional year‑round commitment to environmental volunteering. Based in Gortin, the centre has grown into a thriving community hub that blends environmental sustainability, social inclusion and education through biodiversity‑rich gardens, eco‑workshops and nature‑based activities. Innovative projects - from composting and pollinator‑friendly planting to renewable energy initiatives and a community fridge - have transformed underused land into vibrant, productive spaces that support conservation, wellbeing and community pride.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Barry McElduff, commented, “Owenkillew Community Centre is a shining example of what can be achieved when local people come together with a shared commitment to their place and their environment. Their work goes far beyond keeping their area clean – it strengthens community wellbeing, protects biodiversity and inspires pride across the District. It is always a real pleasure to drop by or visit Owenkillew Community Centre, which is a fantastic hub for community activities. On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I congratulate everyone involved on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for the positive impact they continue to make”

Fermanagh and Omagh runner-up Rouskey Community and Development Association was praised for its wide-ranging work to promote biodiversity, sustainability and community wellbeing in one of Northern Ireland’s most rural areas. Through peat-free gardening, grow-your-own and cooking projects, the group aims to strengthen social connections while inspiring more sustainable ways of living.

Speaking about the role of the awards in highlighting the impact of everyday community action, Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, said: “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 Owenkillew Community Centre and Rouskey Community and Development Association show that community-led environmental action really does make a difference – from protecting wildlife and restoring habitats to growing food and building stronger, more connected rural communities. When communities get involved, positive change really does grow from the ground up.”

She concluded: “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.”

"To support the work of Live Here Love Here and other environmental programmes, visit keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org, where you can find out how to get involved or make a donation. For more information and interview requests, please contact: Lauren Russell | +44 7970 267622 | l.russell@navigatorblue.com," said a spokesperson.