ONE of Children’s Medical Research Institute’s original committees has been given a prestigious award for their long-term commitment to fundraising.

CMRI’s Canberra Committee, which started in 1960, has been awarded the Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister’s Gold Award.

Canberra Committee President, Jane Beer, said they were “thrilled’’ to accept the award. She attended the event with Vice Presidents Velinka Vecchi and Sarah Grieves and committee members Carolyn Forster OAM and Karen Ligdopoulos.

“As our committee has been fundraising for Children's Medical for 59 years, we are delighted with winning this award,’’ she said.

The Chief Minister's Canberra Gold Award recognises individuals and groups who have made a long-term commitment to the ACT. They are handed out as part of Canberra's birthday celebrations.

90 individuals and 12 community groups were recognised and ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the awards reflected those who “helped make Canberra such a great place.’’

"This year, we’ve recognised local businesses, sporting groups across cricket, hockey, rugby union, and AFL; an orchestra and a choir; as well as community organisations, fundraising groups, and a local women’s fellowship that has both national and international impact.’’