Environmental Citizen of the Year – Australia Day Awards 2026

I’m incredibly honoured to share that I was named Environmental Citizen of the Year at the 2026 Griffith City Council Australia Day Awards.

This recognition means a great deal to me — not just personally, but for what it represents for our community, local businesses, and the future of the Riverina environment.

A Community Effort, Not a Solo Achievement

While my name may be on the award, this achievement is far from a one-person effort. It reflects years of support, encouragement, and hands-on help from the Griffith community, my family, my team, and the many locals who care deeply about keeping our region clean, safe, and sustainable.

Through Riverina Skips, we’ve always believed that waste management isn’t just about bins and trucks — it’s about responsibility, education, and doing the right thing even when no one’s watching.

Protecting What Makes the Riverina Special

Living and working in Griffith, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly rubbish, illegal dumping, and neglect can impact our landscapes. From Scenic Hill clean-ups to community-led environmental initiatives, I’ve tried to lead by example and show that small, consistent actions really do add up.

Whether it’s:

  • Removing dumped waste from public spaces

  • Promoting responsible disposal and recycling

  • Supporting community clean-up days

  • Or simply having conversations that encourage people to think twice about their environmental impact

The goal has always been the same: leave our patch better than we found it.

A Responsibility I Take Seriously

Being recognised as Environmental Citizen of the Year is both humbling and motivating. It reinforces that local action matters — and that businesses can play a positive role in protecting the environment while still serving their customers well.

This award strengthens my commitment to:

  • Continually improving sustainable waste practices

  • Supporting community and environmental initiatives

  • Educating and working alongside locals to reduce waste

  • Advocating for a cleaner, greener Griffith

Thank You

Thank you to Griffith City Council and the Australia Day Awards committee for this honour, and to everyone who has supported, encouraged, or joined me along the way.

Most importantly, thank you to the Griffith community — this award belongs to all of us who care about our town and its future.

Here’s to continuing the work, together.

—

Stephen Violi

Riverina Skips

Stephen Violi