The annual awards recognised a wide variety of achievements and contributions to the community by locals young and old.

Ross and Joyce Catanzariti recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, and were acknowledged for their wonderful contribution to the Griffith community, establishing the successful "Rossies" supermarket.

Grant and Denise Hearn were recognised for their unfailing support to cancer survivors for nearly two decades, having raised close to a million dollars through their tireless campaigning, as well as their invaluable commitment to assist cancer patients on a regular basis.

"Words can't convey the work and contributions Grant and Denise have made to the community," Member for Murray Helen Dalton said.

Michelle Bordignon was commended for her incredible work with the local Carevan, as well as her own charity, Helping Hands.

Yanco Cattle farmer Peter Kylstra was congratulated on winning the Urquhart trophy for Supreme Beef Exhibit at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and was recognised for his lifetime of dedication and hard work within the cattle industry.

Max Conlan, Ella Rowney, Tom Curran and Charles Kite from Binya Public School were all also congratulated for their win at the NSW PSSA Swimming Championship in the 4x50m Relay Team.

In recognition of his contribution to the vaccine rollout in Griffith, Sean Dodd of John Dodd pharmacy was commended for administering not only 1200 COVID-19 vaccines, but his offering of vaccination to communities outside of Griffith.

Volunteer driven Hindu organisation Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) were commended for their generosity and selflessness service to the community alongside the Gurdwara Singh Sabha Society of Griffith who were commended for their commitment to represent the wider Sikh community in the Riverina and Murray region.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Ninety year old Donald Best was commended for his many decades of service to the Griffith community and surrounds through his active service with Rotary as well as his continual help at Meals on Wheels and volunteer role at the Pioneer Park Museum.

Sporting role model Timeeka Coleman was congratulated on her sporting success after representing the region at a high-level in basketball and AFL, as well as netball, touch-football, athletics, swimming and AFL.

"I wasn't expecting this award, this is very exciting to be a recipient of a Community Recognition Statement this year," Miss Coleman said.

As he retires from Council after four decades, Emeritus Mayor John Dal Broi also received a special mention and was commended for his dedicated service to Griffith and its villages.

Soroptimist International Griffith were recognised for their efforts to empower and enable women and girls through awareness, action and advocacy.

"We don't do what we do to get awards but for the community, but to get an award is really great recognition," Soroptimist member Pat Cox said.

Retiring Deputy Commander of the Griffith SES Steve Mortlock was also recognised for his decades of service supporting and saving community members in times of need.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: