Disability advocate and local hero Robert Cappello has been named Griffith's Citizen of the Year in the 2021 Australia Day awards.

As president of Griffith Post-School Options (GPSO), Mr Cappello has worked tirelessly to improve the livelihood of people with disabilities across the MIA.

It is a journey which has seen him touch the hearts of hundreds across Griffith.

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He has endeavoured to create jobs and better opportunities for people living with disabilities, led the construction of a "second to none" disability centre, and now he is working to provide state of the art accomodation, to help those with disabilities live independent lives.

Speaking to The Area News, Mr Cappello said it was a great honour to receive the recognition from the town in which he was born and raised.

"It is just such a shock that I got recognised," he said. "Especially because I don't do it for that, I do it all because I love it ... it's a passion."

Mr Cappello was full of praise for Griffith as a whole when acknowledging his prize, describing the community as "unique" and praising their ability to regularly come together and support community projects.

"When you're in need, Griffith stands up," he said.

General manager at GPSO, Roy Catanzariti has worked with Mr Cappello for over a decade.

He said he couldn't think of a more deserving winner.

"He's just a great community person, he's very passionate and naturally loving ... he just wants to help people," Mr Catanzariti said.

"He's always been a mentor for me. He definitely deserves it ... he gives his 100 per cent to GPSO all the time."

Mr Cappello beat out stiff competition to pick up the top prize, with some iconic Griffith residents also nominated.

Citizen of the year:

Local hero:

Young citizen:

Community project of the year:

Environmental citizen of the year:

Junior sportsperson of the year:

Sports team of the year: