Griffith City Council has celebrated the outstanding achievements of local residents and organisations, announcing the winners of the 2026 Australia Day Awards.
Held at Griffith Regional Theatre, Monday 26 2026, the ceremony recognised individuals and groups who have made exceptional contributions to the community.
Citizen of the Year, Pat Cox, a former Councillor, was honoured for her dedication as a community volunteer whose generosity of time and spirit has made a lasting difference across Griffith. Through many years of service with organisations including U3A, Griffith War Memorial Museum, Western Riverina Community College, Pioneer Park Museum, Griffith Base Hospital Auxiliary, CWA, Meals on Wheels, the Disability Inclusion Access Committee and the Griffith Drug Action Team, she has provided care, support and leadership where it is needed most.
Mayor Doug Curran congratulated the recipients and thanked all nominees for the positive impact they continue to make in Griffith. “These award winners represent the very best of our community,” Mayor Curran said.
“They give their time, skills and passion to help others, strengthen our community spirit and make Griffith a better place to live. Today is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate everything they do.”
This year’s Australia Day Award winners are:
- Local Hero
Jodie Millar
- Citizen of the Year
Patricia Cox
- Young Citizen of the Year
Benjamin Savage
- Environmental Citizen of the Year
Stephen Violi
- Community Project of the Year
Griffith Trauma Teddy Knitters Club
- Senior Sportsperson of the Year
Jodie Millar
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year
Havana Cook
- Sports Team of the Year
Griffith Demons U/14 Basketball Team
- Overall Sportsperson of the Year
Havana Cook
- Club Person of the Year
Neil Macklin
Council congratulates all winners and nominees for their outstanding service and dedication to the Griffith community.
