Owenkillew Community Centre in Gortin received the Fermanagh and Omagh Regional Champion award at the Live Here Love Here ceremony. The event took place at Belfast City Hall with broadcaster Joe Mahon as host.

The centre earned recognition for ongoing environmental volunteering, sustainability projects and community wellbeing activities. Staff and volunteers converted underused land into areas supporting biodiversity. Efforts included pollinator-friendly planting, composting, eco-workshops, renewable energy installations, a community fridge and nature activities.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council chair Cllr Barry McElduff stated that the centre illustrates results from local residents' united efforts for their area. He noted the projects safeguard biodiversity while enhancing community pride and wellbeing in the district.

Rouskey Community and Development Association placed as runner-up in the region. The group received commendation for biodiversity promotion and sustainable practices via peat-free gardening, grow-your-own schemes and community cooking events.

Live Here Love Here manager Lynda Surgenor stated that the awards demonstrate outcomes from community-led actions. She noted grassroots initiatives like habitat restoration and food growing support resilient communities across Northern Ireland.

The awards come from Live Here Love Here, working with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, ten local councils and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful oversees the programme.