Date: 05 Feb 2025
A local woman who has dedicated her life to uplifting others has been recognised at this year’s Eastside Awards in association with Belfast City Airport. Jonathan McAlpin of East Belfast Enterprise presented Bernie McConnell with the Eastside Award for Outstanding Contribution acknowledging how one person can make an immeasurable difference.Thirty-five years ago Bernie had a vision to create a space where everyone could access vital resources and support. She has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for countless individuals and embodies the essence of community service.
Bernie created the Short Strand Community Centre in the heart of East Belfast which serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, providing essential services to those in need. She has also been an instrumental force in EastSide Partnership and East Belfast Sure Start, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, leading to significant advancement in the community and establishing pathways to growth and opportunity.
She has helped orchestrate events with President Bill Clinton, King Charles and two Presidents of Ireland, showcasing her ability to represent the heart of the community on prominent platforms.
Chair of the Eastside Awards committee and chief executive of East Belfast Enterprise, Jonathan McAlpin, said:
“To present the award for Outstanding Contribution to someone who has shared platforms with presidents is a real honour. Bernie is the epitome of hope, a shining light who has created a lasting legacy for future generations in East Belfast.
“I am filled with pride when I witness the winners of the Eastside Awards each year taking to the stage to collect their deserving award and this year has been no exception. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the finalists and to congratulate the winners as we celebrate the best of East Belfast.
“The public vote category has really gained momentum over the past couple of years with an incredible 20,000 votes being cast this year. A real testament to the public getting behind the Eastside Awards and championing their favourites.
“I would also like to thank our sponsors without whom the awards would not exist. We are already planning our tenth Eastside Awards which will take place in 2026 and as I eagerly look forward to this milestone year, I hope we can count on their continued support which is pivotal for the awards development.”
This year’s Eastside Awards in association with Belfast City Airport has been the most successful to date. The ballroom at Hastings Stormont Hotel was at capacity, filled with people heralding the excellence and achievements that define East Belfast.
Michelle Hatfield, Chief People and Marketing Officer at Belfast City Airport, said:
“At Belfast City Airport, we are proud to be at the heart of the city and the heart of the community. As the principal sponsor of the Eastside Awards for the ninth consecutive year, it’s an honour to celebrate the outstanding individuals, businesses, charities, schools, and community groups that make the place we call home such a fantastic place to live, work, and grow.
“This year’s event has been truly exceptional and with over 20,000 public nominations and a record number of entries, we have seen first-hand the incredible talent and dedication that is shaping East Belfast in truly remarkable ways.
"Congratulations to all the winners and finalists – your commitment is an inspiration, and we look forward to working together for the greater good of our community for years to come.”
Eastside Awards in association with Belfast City Airport winners are:
- Eastside Award for Best Company To Work For sponsored by Fleet Financial: John Minnis Estate Agents
- Eastside Award for Business Growth sponsored by We’resure Insurance Services: Refresh NI
- Eastside Award for Business Startup sponsored by Belfast City Council: Eden Consultancy NI
- Eastside Award for Community Impact sponsored by Belfast Harbour: EastSide Learning
- Eastside Award for Contribution to the Arts sponsored by EastSide Partnership: Fighting Words NI
- Eastside Award for Environmental Project of the Year sponsored by Translink: Encom Energy
- Eastside Award for Excellence in Health and Wellbeing sponsored by Phoenix Energy: Dundonald Primary School & Nursery Unit
- Eastside Award for Favourite Beauty Business in East Belfast sponsored by Belfast Live: Beauty Culture
- Eastside Award for Favourite Food Destination in East Belfast sponsored by Finlay Wealth Management: Wing It Ballyhack
- Eastside Award for Favourite Hairdresser/Barber in East Belfast sponsored by Solv: Urban Roots
- Eastside Award for Favourite Primary Classroom Assistant of the Year sponsored by Open College Network: Rebecca Hanna, Strandtown Primary School
- Eastside Award for Favourite Sports Coach / Trainer sponsored by Better: Darren Baine, DB Fitness
- Eastside Award for Favourite Tourist Attraction in East Belfast sponsored by Reid Black Solicitors: Titanic Belfast
- Eastside Award for Post-Primary School Hero of the Year sponsored by The Open University: Joanne Porte, Our Lady and St Patrick’s College
- Eastside Award for Trainee / Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Plumb Centre: Lenin Stevenson, Thales UK Ltd
- Eastside Award for Volunteer of the Year sponsored by East Belfast Mission: Hospice Heroes
- Eastside Award for Young Person of the Year sponsored by Belfast City Airport: Rebecca James, Ashfield Girls’ High School
- Eastside Award for Outstanding Contribution sponsored by East Belfast Enterprise: Bernie McConnell