The Local Hero award is also known as the Mayor's award, being chosen solely by the presiding mayor. In this case, Mayor Doug Curran elected to recognise John Dal Broi's many years of work in local government and dedication to improving Griffith.

John Dal Broi was one of Griffith's councillors for over four decades, serving continuously as a councillor in 1976 up until 2008, before returning as mayor in 2012 and stepping down at last year's elections.

Being the only Australia Day award that doesn't require the full nomination process, John Dal Broi said he was surprised to have been recognised.

Organisers supposedly told him that he was simply being invited to the awards and onto the stage to share some words and present an award, omitting the fact that he had won right up until presenting the award.

"You don't do it to win awards. You do it because you want to improve the life of your community," said Mr Dal Broi.

"I wish I'd known, I could have prepared something a little better."

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He added that he was particularly proud of his last decade in council, with a series of large development projects being either completed or put in place. He highlighted the hospital redevelopment as a particular accomplishment.

"The development we've seen in the last few years... It's hard to mention one project. They all come along."

He emphasised his gratitude towards the council staff, and was looking forward to the new council taking over and continuing the job.

He added that after 40 years of being introduced as 'Mayor,' going to 'Mr Dal Broi' was a bit of an adjustment but that he mostly missed the daily interaction with other councillors and council staff.

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