Pat Cox is Griffith Citizen of the Year 2026

In Short:

• Former Griffith Councillor Pat Cox has been named Citizen of the Year at Griffith's 2026 Australia Day Awards for decades of community volunteer work
• Ten awards were presented at Griffith Regional Theatre on January 26, recognising individuals and groups for exceptional community contributions
• Jodie Millar received dual honours as Local Hero and Senior Sportsperson of the Year, while Havana Cook was named Overall Sportsperson of the Year

Griffith City Council has recognised outstanding community members at its 2026 Australia Day Awards, with former councillor Pat Cox receiving the prestigious Citizen of the Year honour for her decades of volunteer service.

The awards ceremony, held at Griffith Regional Theatre on Monday January 26, celebrated individuals and groups who have made exceptional contributions to the Riverina community.

Ten awards were presented recognising achievements across community service, environmental stewardship, sport and youth leadership.

Pat Cox 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."

Jodie Millar received dual recognition, taking home both the Local Hero and Senior Sportsperson of the Year awards, highlighting her exceptional contributions to both community service and athletic achievement.

Benjamin Savage was recognised as Young Citizen of the Year, representing the next generation of community leaders making their mark in the region.

The award acknowledges young people who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their community through volunteer work, leadership or other exceptional contributions.

Stephen Violi received the Environmental Citizen of the Year award for his work in environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives.

The Griffith Trauma Teddy Knitters Club was named Community Project of the Year, recognising the group's efforts to provide comfort to children experiencing trauma through handcrafted teddy bears.

In sporting categories, Havana Cook achieved the remarkable feat of winning both Junior Sportsperson of the Year and Overall Sportsperson of the Year, marking her as an exceptional athletic talent in the region.

The Griffith Demons Under 14 Basketball Team was recognised as Sports Team of the Year, while Neil Macklin received the Club Person of the Year award.