Published 06 November 2020
The search is on to find West Dunbartonshire’s local heroes for the 2020 Provost’s Civic Awards.
The annual awards celebrate residents who make a significant contribution to improving the area and the lives of people who live here. This year, in particular residents have shown incredible dedication and resilience to overcome some of the most challenging situations ever faced as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Although there will be no physical event this year, with the process instead being run completely online, residents who go above and beyond in their community can still be nominated across five categories to claim the title of Arts and Culture Champion, Sports Champion, Community/Voluntary Champion (Individual), Community/Voluntary Champion (team) and Youth Champion.
From this shortlist, Provost William Hendrie will select one overall winner who will be named West Dunbartonshire’s Citizen of the Year.
Provost Hendrie, pictured left, said: “I’m so glad that we are still able to hold our Provost’s Civic Awards event, albeit somewhat different from our traditional celebration. It is more important this year than ever before that we take the time to celebrate and publicly thank those citizens among us who regularly go above and beyond. Throughout the pandemic in particular, I have been truly humbled to see our communities pull together, and hear stories of how local groups are working even harder to ensure everyone has what they need
“Often, this type of unassuming and selfless work goes unnoticed, but holding this online celebration means we can acknowledge our community spirit – something that makes West Dunbartonshire a much better place to live for us all.
“I already know we have many worthy residents doing great work but I’m relying on the public to nominate them and let us give them the recognition they thoroughly deserve.
“I’m delighted to launch the 2020 awards and would urge residents to come forward and nominate the people who make a difference every day to residents in West Dunbartonshire.”
This year all nominations will be made online, with judging panel discussions taking place through video technology.
An online shortlist announcement will be made in January, with letters to those shortlisted, and video content will follow from Provost Hendrie formally announcing the winners. They will then be invited to attend a physically-distanced presentation to receive their award.
The winners will also be invited to be guests of the Provost at the Queen’s annual garden party, traditionally held at Holyrood every summer.
Nominations can be made online at www.provostawards.com, under the following categories:
Arts and Culture Champion
Nominations are sought on behalf of individuals who live and operate in West Dunbartonshire. The nominee can work in the arts in a voluntary or professional capacity. Typically they would have undertaken imaginative work in any one of the arts, such as drama, dance, music literature, the visual arts and crafts including photography and/or demonstrated good practice in the organisation of arts projects and events.
Sports Champion
Nominations are invited for individuals who live in West Dunbartonshire and have achieved recognition for their performances at local, national or international sport or who have contributed to local sports development or coaching.
Community/Voluntary Champion (individual)
Nominations are sought for individuals based in West Dunbartonshire who have made a positive contribution to the local community. Examples could be new or additional activities or initiatives or outstanding service, which has led to an improved quality of life for the people of this area.
Community/Voluntary Champions (team)
Nominations are invited for community and voluntary groups based in West Dunbartonshire who have made a positive contribution to the local community. Examples could be launching new activities or clubs in the area, or creating initiatives or providing outstanding service which has led to an improved quality of life for the people of this area.
Youth Champion
Nominations are sought for young individuals who have excelled in any field or have made a significant contribution to their local community. The nominee must live in West Dunbartonshire and be under the age of 18 at the time of nomination.