In this special category, the judging panel selected for consideration those nominations which they felt to be particularly outstanding.

Making their choice was difficult as there are a great number of our leaders who genuinely make this sector a very inspiring place to be. Judges were amazed at the number of nominees who had been so inspirational in their leadership all for their chosen cause. Many individuals had served their organisation without remuneration or accolade – so many had gone way beyond their call of duty to bring about a better, more just society.

Yet there was one nomination which judges unanimously decided demonstrated leadership that was authentic, inspiring and truly outstanding. This person has a unique vision for building a better world – both in NI and around the world.

Our winner has shared this vision and the result has been thousands of people called to action. A true commitment to a shared future for the people of NI remains at the heart of the strategy for this leader’s local work.

Our overall inspiring leader winner is Peter Farquharson

Peter was envisioned to use the habitat model locally as a way for communities and individuals to rebuild trust and restore relationships; bring Catholics and Protestants together to build houses for families in need – simply to build houses, build community and build hope. Through his leadership, he has mobilised thousands of volunteers. demonstrating what can be achieved in a very practical way whenever people are inspired to work together to afford great change.

Our winner leads projects which are about building homes for those who desperately need them – but even more importantly, he leads projects which are about building communities. His organisation has become a household name and we all know or know of someone who has volunteered on a Habitat for Humanity project – either at home or abroad.

Since co-founding Habitat for Humanity NI, our winner has been driven by his passion for the cause – his leadership inspires participation and effective teamwork to deliver the organisations' goals in NI and around the world.

In the ten years that Habitat for Humanity NI’s international volunteer programme began as an extension of the local work, more than 200 teams; 1 in every 600 people from NI has traveled in the same spirit of reconciliation to build homes alongside families in need in some of the worlds most vulnerable communities.

Donna Traynor;  Amanda Brobyn, Unity Trust: Jane (Peter’s wife) and Angus Beck,
Chair of Habitat for Humanity NI who received the award on behalf of Peter Farquharson