MACKAY’S LOCAL HEROES

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Mayor Greg Williamson said the judging panel was blown away by the number and quality of nominations submitted this year.

“Honestly, there were dozens of nominees who the judges felt were worthy of taking home these awards,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Narrowing the selection down was no small task and is a real testament to just what an incredible community we have in our region – there are just so many amazing people doing tremendous things,” he said.

“However, what Nigel has done in our community over the last two decades is remarkable and the judges had no reservations in naming him our 2023 Citizen of the Year.

“Coming from a background of policing in the Royal Ulster Constabulary during the Northern Island conflict where he had friends and mentors murdered, Nigel could easily have become hardened and bitter.

“Instead, he carries a message of forgiveness, kindness and healing that comes across in all his dealings with the community.

“Through his work with more than 8000 school students each year, plus PCYC, Safety Circus, Shed Happens, Neighbourhood Watch, the Mackay Mosque, Street Chaplains and many more, Nigel has helped to make our community safer and instil real trust and appreciation for our local police service.”

Mayor Williamson said there were 173 nominations across all of the eight categories.

“I would like to personally thank the 87 individuals who submitted nominations – and many of them submitted multiple nominations – because without you we couldn’t have these awards and we couldn’t recognise these tremendous community members,” he said.