The extraordinary life of Professor Maxwell Hopp, a beloved paediatrician who treated thousands of Riverina children over more than two decades, will be honoured at a public memorial service in Griffith later this month.

Professor Hopp, who dedicated 26 years to caring for children across the region, died in a tragic accident on Friday, 26 September 2025. His sudden passing has left the Griffith community in mourning for a doctor who became an integral part of the town's fabric.

His family has invited the public to join them in paying tribute to the Professor at 2pm on Wednesday, October 22 at the Piccolo Family Farm on Mallison Road near Lake Wyangan.

Professor Hopp's daughter, Dagney Hopp, said further details on logistics would be provided closer to the date, but urged attendees to prepare for outdoor conditions.

"If you're able to attend, we suggest you bring/wear sun protection as there is likely to be quite a number of attendees and some will need to be outside," Ms Hopp said.

The family has requested that no flowers be brought to the service or sent to their home. Instead, they have asked those wishing to honour Professor Hopp's life and work to consider making a donation to a children's charity of their choice.

Ms Hopp suggested several organisations that align with her father's life's work, including Save The Children, a development and aid agency that helps children around the world; Make-a-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to terminally ill children; and Royal Far West, a mental health not-for-profit providing services to children in rural western NSW towns such as Griffith.

"Thank you to everyone, for all your support and kindness you have shown to our family at this terrible time," Ms Hopp said.

Professor Hopp's impact on the Griffith community extended far beyond his medical practice. Originally coming to Griffith for what was meant to be a short stint, he stayed for more than a quarter of a century, becoming a trusted figure for countless families across the Riverina.

His dedication to paediatric care in a regional setting, where specialist medical services are often limited, made him an invaluable member of the community. For many local families, Professor Hopp was the doctor who cared for their children from infancy through to adolescence.

The decision to hold the service at Piccolo Family Farm reflects both the anticipated large attendance and the community nature of the farewell, allowing space for the many people whose lives were touched by Professor Hopp's work and compassion.

The memorial service provides an opportunity for the Griffith community to collectively express their gratitude for a doctor who chose to make regional NSW his home and dedicated his career to the health and wellbeing of the region's children.