THE 12th Thurrock Civic Awards were launched on Tuesday (17 November) and will culminate in the spectacular awards evening on Friday, 26 February, 2016.
Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Gray, said: “Once again the people of Thurrock will have a chance to nominate and celebrate the amazing people of our borough.
“Mayors of the past have always said they are stunned by the number of people they meet in the course of their year, people who give up their time and effort for others without thought for themselves.
“I must say that although I was told this before I took up the post, the numbers actually come as quote a shock. Thurrock people are remarkably giving people.”
She added: “Because these people give up their time without thought for themselves, it is important that those of us who know of them put them forward by nominating them for an award.
“Tears of joy and surprise are a regular feature of the awards – which we hold every two years – and I am sure the 2016 event will be no different.”
Nominations for the Thurrock Civic Awards 2016 can be made online through the Thurrock Council website (thurrock.gov.uk) and people are being urged to put thought and detail into the nominations.
Cllr Gray said: “Sometimes, because we think we know the good work somebody does, we assume everyone knows, but that isn’t the case.
“The judges will have dozens if not hundreds of nominations to consider and it is important that all the information is there for them to consider.
“I’m told that sometimes in previous years just a name has been given and that can lead to disappointment.”
There will be nine categories in the 2016 awards and the nominations are open until Monday, 11 January.
Nominees who are shortlisted for awards will be contacted and invited to the awards ceremony on Friday, 26 February 2016 which will be a black tie event at the Backstage Centre, High House Production Park, in Purfleet.
Thurrock Civic Awards 2016
Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award
A very special lifetime achievement award celebrating a person for their outstanding contribution and dedication to the borough over their lifetime
Stronger Together Community Award
This award recognises an individual, community group or organisation involved in bringing together communities through a local project or community event, or one which has excelled in supporting local communities to support themselves.
Creative Excellence Award
For an individual or organisation that contributed to raising the profile of the arts in the Thurrock – art, amateur dramatics or music. This person may be the star of the show or they could work behind the scenes, helping make it happen.
Sporting Legacy Award
This award is for an individual or club that has contributed to a lasting sporting legacy in Thurrock by encouraging more participation in sport. It is also to celebrate and thank those who give their time to working behind the scenes at local sporting clubs and groups.
Environmental Champion Award
Recognising those who work to celebrate or protect the environment we live in. It could be someone who champions recycling or is involved with an environmental project in the borough.
Young Achiever Award
This award celebrates an inspirational young person (aged 25 or under) who has made an outstanding contribution to the local community, demonstrating leadership, commitment and enthusiasm.
Business in the Community Award
Thurrock has many outstanding businesses that play a crucial role in the economic well-being and improvement of life in the borough. This award recognises the businesses that have invested in Thurrock to make it a better place to live and work.
Healthy Living Award
This award is for an individual or organisation that has improved their own or the health and well-being of their local community.
Rachel Middleton Award
This is a particularly special award in memory of Rachel Middleton who fought a brave battle with cystic fibrosis, but while waiting for a heart and lung transplant, sadly died at the age of 18.
The award is for someone who has shown extreme personal courage in the face of adversity through illness or disability.
Four local businesses have already committed to supporting the event – HW Wilson Ltd (The Mayor’s award for Lifetime Achievement), Procter & Gamble (the Healthy Living award), the Stronger Together Partnership (the Stronger Together Community award) and The Thurrock Enquirer (Business in the Community).
