In presenting the award the Mayor spoke glowingly of the amazing contribution the Churches of Townsville had made to the life of the city through the help provided to the disadvantaged through the Neighbour to Neighbour program.
The citation read out at the presentation said:
A spirit of Townsville award is awarded for the National Day of Thanksgiving activities which the Combined Churches of Townsville initiated through the 'Neighbour to Neighbour Townsville' program in June 2011. The program was aimed to help residents in need with basic home repairs, maintenance and domestic assistance. With over 420 volunteers going to 265 homes doing everything from cleaning fans to pulling weeds, the Townsville Community thanks the Combined Churches for their support.
The National Day of Thanksgiving 2012 is on Saturday 26th May. It's an opportunity for Churches and Christian Organisations across Australia to connect with people in their local communities who don't normally go to church.