Roy Stacy wins Griffith's most prestigious award

Herbert Fitzroy ‘Roy’ Stacy will attain Griffith’s highest honour at an official ceremony to celebrate the milestone on Saturday, February 21.

Mr Stacy was offered the title following a decision made by Griffith City Council at the ordinary meeting last week.

Griffith Mayor John Dal Broi said he could not think of anyone more worthy of this prestigious award.

“Roy has dedicated his life helping others and has been heavily involved in several community organisations, including the Griffith branch of the Returned Soliders League and the Rural Fire Service,” Councillor Dal Broi said.

“Council can think of no better way to recognise his achievements than to award him a Freeman of the City.”

Born in Griffith, Roy enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force at just 20 years of age.

He actively served his country through World War II going on to join the Australian Occupational Forces in Japan following the conclusion of the Pacific campaign.

After being discharged in 1947, he returned home to Griffith, working on his farm at Kooba.

His achievements have included being a member of Rotary Club of East Griffith for 40 years, a member of Griffith Men’s Probus, a life member of the Murrumbidgee Rural Counselling Service, was a volunteer guide for the Griffith Tourist Bureau, life member of the Returned Soldiers League.

Mr Stacy even carried the Olympic torch in Griffith during its visit in 2000, among innumerable other community services.

Griffith Councillor Mike Neville said he has had the privilege of knowing Roy since his childhood.

“I have known Roy for many years now and he is a very civic minded gentleman,” said Cr Neville.

“He has been honoured many times throughout his life and it is only fitting we reward his hard work and dedication to our community by granting him the ultimate status of Freeman of the City.”

An honorary dinner will be held to mark the occasion on Saturday, February 21 to recognise Mr Stacy’s achievements.