Winners - Good Relations Awards 2027

1st Place Winner

Good Relations Connecting Communities Project of the Year Award ・ 2025

Jubilee Community Benefit Society

Jubilee Farm is the first community-owned farm in Northern Ireland, its 150 member-owners having raised over £300,000 to purchase and equip the property in early 2019. The farm is the vision of Jubilee Community Benefit Society, an inter-denominational Christian organisation who seek to support the community, those of all backgrounds, beliefs and none, to steward and conserve the world around us through hands on creation care. The farm practices farming and conservation in partnership, with high-welfare, no chemical and no-dig operations. All animals are organic fed and enjoy a life in pasture with a free-range and natural environment to enjoy. The farm produces vegetables, pork, and eggs, which are sold local and at the farm. The products can also be ordered via the online shop. As well as 10 acres of agricultural land, the farm has a 3.5-acre nature reserve, including over 100m of river frontage, that is accessible by 135 hand built wooden steps. The farm is managed by Tim Davies with help from a number of volunteers from the rural community.

1st Place Winner

Good Relations Community Champion Award ・ 2025

Jonah Atos

Jonah Atos is the heart and soul of the Filipino Community in the North-West. Arriving in NI in 2001 as the 1st internationally educated nurse in the NHS Western Trust, in 2014 she founded and became the first chair of Filipino Community ‘Kabalikat’ (‘solidarity’ ‘You will never walk alone’). Mother of three, and dedicated NHS worker, she has worked tirelessly, and entirely voluntarily, for over a decade to unite the Filipino Community, tackling isolation and instilling a proud cultural identity across generations, and outreaching wider to promote awareness, tackle racism and lead from the front as a community activist. Influencing strategically for Diversity, Equality and Good Relations, she is International Nurse Co-ordinator for WHSCT, Chair of WHSCT Ethnically Diverse Network, Chair of Royal College of Nursing Ethnically Diverse network, Professional Officer for Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion at NI Practice, deliverer of Clinical Educators cultural competency training, organiser of GR Week events, Board Member of NW Carnival Initiative, Board member of FREF (Foyle Racial Equality Form), DCSDC PEACE IV and PEACEPLUS influencer. Known as ‘Auntie Jonah’ to many young NI Filipinos, she’s an energetic powerhouse, bundle of positivity and inspiration for Good Relations and always carries a selfie-stick for group photos.

Highly Commended

Community Relations Council Exceptional Achievement Award (peacebuilding) ・ 2025

John (Jock) Carson

John (Jock) Carson has worked for TIDES Training for 13 years and is currently their Mediations and Training Services Manager. During this time, he has proven to have an exceptional commitment to Good Relations work across Northern Ireland, working with individuals, groups and statutory bodies to promote mutual respect and understanding within our communities. As a Mediator, Jock has worked with countless individuals and groups throughout Northern Ireland to support them to navigate through conflict situations and to all parties to reach a resolution together. Once the mediation process is complete, Jock has proven his sustained and long-term commitment promoting Good Relations amongst those he is working with by offering further training, accredited OCN courses and community capacity building as well as exploring shared history and culture with neighbouring communities, resulting in cross community collaboration and working together to create a shared future.

Highly Commended

Good Relations Volunteer of the Year Award ・ 2025

Bill Lockhart

Over 60 years of volunteering, while working full time and bringing up a family Bill is the definition of a volunteer. Most of his previous spare time and newfound retirement time is dedicated to others in making their lives better. Holywood would not be the welcoming, diverse town it is today if it wasn’t for Bill and his volunteering role with many groups. Bill really is Mr Holywood and continues to welcome and foster new friendships through his many volunteering roles, ensuring Holywood IS a town for all! Bill is always promoting a culture of understanding, respecting differences, breaking down barriers and celebrating the rich community diversity in Holywood. His leadership, skills and empathy for others is an example of how we all can make life better for those around us. He is passionate about the importance of good relations and diversity in the community and ensures it is embedded in all that he does when establishing new groups or supporting the groups that he is already involved in, Bill goes the extra mile, engaging those who are harder to reach and ensuring they are supported to make the positive changes to get involved and stay supported in the groups

Highly Commended

Good Relations Connecting Communities Project of the Year Award ・ 2025

Glenside Farm

Glenside Farm Comber CIC covers approximately 80 acres and is found in the beautiful drumlins of County Down, 2 miles outside of Comber and 10 minutes away from Belfast. The farm is home to award winning Glen Cowie pedigree Aberdeen Angus and Blue Texel sheep. The farm is owned by Iain and Malini Colville who use their land to support others to find a sense of health and wellbeing through farming, nature and community. Iain, brought up in Newtownards, is from a three-generational farming family. Malini, very much a city girl, settled in Leicester when her family arrived from Kenya in the 60s. After getting married and living in England for many years they moved back to Iain’s home in Co. Down in 2015 with their family. Glenside Farm offers access to an authentic working farm and provides meaningful opportunities for participants and volunteers to engage with farming, animals, and nature.

Highly Commended

Good Relations Youth Award (Under 25) ・ 2025

St.Brigid's College Drama group

A group of pupils from St.Brigid’s College demonstrated remarkable creativity, insight, and courage in devising and performing a play addressing the complex issues of sectarianism and racism. Tackling such challenging and sensitive topics requires not only artistic skill but also empathy and maturity, and these pupils displayed these qualities in abundance. Through their performance, they have shown the power of storytelling to challenge prejudices, spark important conversations, and inspire change. Their ability to bring these themes to life with authenticity and passion is a testament to their hard work and commitment. By shedding light on these issues, they are helping to build understanding and unity within our communities. Their efforts are truly commendable, and they should be immensely proud of their contribution to such an important cause.

Highly Commended

Good Relations Community Champion Award ・ 2025

Connor Kerr Becky Bellamy

Connor and Becky embody the principles of ‘Show Some Love’. They promote acceptance, respect and inclusion in the most joyous and celebratory way. In a queer-positive, everyone-welcome space they have created an interlinking of communities to work tirelessly for the benefit of all. Their ‘Sunday Service’ builds a place of advocacy and solidarity. Their ‘Love Pack’ drives and foodbank collections help the most vulnerable in our community. Their strong anti-racism activism further underpins their commitment to the rights and protection of the individual. All of this is done with a focus on joy, celebration and excitement so that they can promote a feeling of lives well lived. They are true advocates for our whole community and trusted supporters of each individual in our community.

Highly Commended

Community Relations Council Exceptional Achievement Award (peacebuilding) ・ 2025

Catherine Cooke

Catherine Cooke has been a driving force in the community and voluntary sector for over 30 years, championing empowerment, inclusion, and good relations across the North West of Northern Ireland. As Co-ordinator of FWIN since 2004, Catherine has created a safe and welcoming space for women from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds, offering resources, education, and opportunities to thrive. Beginning her career as a grassroots activist in 1987, Catherine gained extensive experience in mediation and conflict resolution as a training officer with the Peace and Reconciliation Group. Her work has consistently focused on addressing inequality, celebrating diversity, and fostering trust and collaboration within and between communities. Catherine’s dedication extends to regional peace initiatives such as Peace IV and Peace Plus partnerships, where her leadership continues to shape a more inclusive and equitable society. Her unwavering commitment leaves a profound legacy of connection and empowerment.

1st Place Winner

Good Relations Volunteer of the Year Award ・ 2025

Cooper McClure

Cooper has given his time freely as a volunteer to support the work of Midlands Recreational and Social Association for over 40 years as the Treasurer and coach for the Boxing Club. His dedication to the young people who attend the club is fantastic. He trained Carl Frampton during his amateur years, helping him to achieve his dreams and Carl recognises the support by continuing to prompt the work of the club to this day. Since he took over as Head Coach in 2019 Cooper has been instrumental in transforming the club into a new modern shared facility which everyone in the community can use. For Cooper it is not just about the physical exercise – it is about providing a safe space for young people to go and building their mental health and the skills and experiences which they will need in life. He works tirelessly to find funding for cross community and peacebuilding programmes with other clubs across the interface in North Belfast promoting respect and diversity for all. He really does make a real difference in the community. Truly a volunteer who deserves recognition.

Highly Commended

Good Relations Community Champion Award ・ 2025

Chaudhary Hamza Riaz

Chaudhary Hamza Riaz is a transformative leader and advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion, making a profound impact at Ulster University and across Northern Ireland. As the first international and BAME+ Vice President for Equality and Belonging, Hamza has championed underrepresented voices, breaking barriers and inspiring change. His leadership in Equality and Diversity Forums and initiatives such as Pride Parades, interfaith events, and cultural celebrations (Eid, Holi, Diwali) has fostered unity and mutual respect among diverse communities. Beyond the university, Hamza has addressed systemic issues like the cost-of-living crisis, engaging policymakers to ensure equitable solutions for all. Recognized globally for his leadership, including his participation in the Change the World Model United Nations, Hamza has also advanced progressive policies such as the Bidet Showers initiative, addressing cultural needs with innovative solutions. Hamza’s unwavering commitment to inclusion and his ability to inspire change make him a true Community Champion.