Pat Cox is always involved in community events and causes. Photos: Oliver Jacques.
Former teacher, councillor and perennial volunteer Pat Cox has been named Griffith Citizen of the Year 2026.
She was handed her award at a ceremony on Monday (26 January), celebrating the outstanding achievements of local residents and organisations.
After her career in education, Ms Cox has worked for several organisations, including the Griffith War Memorial Museum, Western Riverina Community College, Pioneer Park Museum, the Griffith Base Hospital Auxiliary, Country Women’s Association, Meals on Wheels, the Disability Inclusion Access Committee, Rural Australians for Refugees and the Griffith Drug Action Team.
Social worker Jodie Millar took the title of Senior Sportswoman of the Year and local hero after swimming between England and France to raise funds for children’s charities.
Meanwhile, water entrepreneur Stephen Violi was crowned Environmental Citizen of the Year after organising an event in which 1580 kilograms of rubbish was removed from Scenic Hill.
Griffith Leagues Club Squash president Neil Macklin claimed the gong for Club Person of the Year for the decade he has helped his sport grow in the town.
Neil Macklin has played squash for 35 years and wants to keep going.
Other Australia Day Award winners are:
Young Citizen of the Year — Benjamin Savage
Community Project of the Year — Griffith Trauma Teddy Knitters Club
Junior Sportsperson of the Year — Havana Cook
Sports Team of the Year — Griffith Demons U14 Basketball Team
Overall Sportsperson of the Year — Havana Cook.
Griffith Council congratulated the winners and nominees for their outstanding service and dedication to the Griffith community.
