Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 21 December 2021 14:55
The Provost's Award is an annual opportunity to thank a dedicated volunteer for their hard work, which makes a difference to their community and the lives of many others in East Renfrewshire.
Oonagh McKinnon was honoured as Citizen of the Year for her longstanding volunteering efforts to support residents and their families in Barrhead and across the wider local authority area over the past 10 years.
Oonagh was integral to the start-up of the East Renfrewshire Additional Support Needs Parents Action Group, which supports young autistic people and young people with additional support needs and their families.
As chairperson of the Barrhead-based group, Oonagh helps young people aged between 0-25, their siblings and families become more confident in feeling part of the community and has continued this vital work throughout the pandemic.
This inclusive group runs sessions and activities for juniors and teens, holds parent support meetings and hosts various training opportunities locally.
As chairperson of Linking Communities, a volunteer led group which strives to make the most deprived areas of East Renfrewshire better places to live, work, and visit, Oonagh also works hard to ensure Barrhead, Neilston, Thornliebank and Auchenback residents can have their say in how Participatory Budgeting funds are distributed to tackle issues that are close to their hearts.
Provost Jim Fletcher said: “It is an absolute delight to crown Oonagh as Citizen of the Year 2021. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to be an incredibly challenging time for everyone so the judging panel and I were looking to recognise a volunteer who has continued to go the extra mile to support their local area.
“Oonagh’s work in Barrhead and across the authority as a whole is absolutely essential and it is down to her efforts that many vulnerable people have fair and equal opportunities to meet, play and build relationships with their peers.
“We received some fantastic nominations for Citizen of the Year 2021, so it was a tough deliberation – thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination, it is clear we have so many volunteers in East Renfrewshire who work hard to help others and really are invaluable.
“The judging panel were all in agreement that Oonagh should be awarded the Provost’s Award this year for the difference that she has made to the lives of many others across East Renfrewshire over the past 10 years. Congratulations Oonagh!”
Oonagh McKinnon, who has lived in Barrhead all her life, added: “It has been a privilege to work with our volunteers and families in building up our ERA community. The young people and families are very supportive of each other, and it has been wonderful to be a part of that.
“Linking Communities has been enlightening in allowing me to engage with many of the wonderful volunteers who give so much to our local communities.
“I am extremely pleased to accept this award from Provost Fletcher and hope to continue to work in the community for a long time ahead.”
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORECarmunnock Heritage Trail launches this Easter weekend. It's a unique, free, multi-media tour with 16 QR coded video stops around Glasgow's last remaining village.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREIf you care for someone living with dementia, Dementia Walking Buddies project might be the thing you're looking for.
READ MOREFull cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!
READ MOREDobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.
READ MOREA sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.
READ MOREGreat Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.
READ MOREFriday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.
READ MORENew research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire libraries will host a series of events and author visits this month, to encourage conversations around climate change.
READ MOREA stellar line-up of authors are set to take Paisley by storm at this year's Paisley Book Festival in April!
READ MOREThe AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is back on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, and the Earlybird offer to save up to £8 off your entry ends this Friday 1st March at 10am.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, in partnership with greenspace scotland, are seeking artists/designers in four commissions, to produce one of a set of covid memorials.
READ MOREA Scottish author's poignant tale of generosity and kindness has raised £2,262 to help the homeless.
READ MOREDobbies is offering customers the chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to an indulgent Mother's Day Afternoon Tea experience and a special flower gift on March 9th & 10th.
READ MOREAn Impassioned photo-led exhibition that depicts the challenge, pride and responsibility felt by those working in Scotland’s fishing industry is to debut within the Scottish Parliament.
READ MOREThe Scottish Influencer Awards, the major awards ceremony celebrating Scotland's stars of social, has announced the full shortlist of nominees in the running to be named the Influencer of the Year.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has announced its holiday camp programme for 2024, so parents can plan ahead to keep the kids active and entertained throughout school holidays this year.
READ MOREChannel 4's 'Location, Location, Location' is coming to Glasgow this Spring and they're looking for property hunters!
READ MOREDobbies is encouraging gardeners of all ages and skill levels across the country to get one of their 5 a day by learning how to grow soft fruits at one of its free workshops in March.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"