Griffith City Council has unanimously supported the nomination of Dr Narayanan Jayachandran (Dr Jaya) to be named Freeman of the City at its Ordinary Meeting this week.
Dr Jaya (pictured), a Griffith resident since 2003, was also recognised as Griffith’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year last month and in 2024 he received the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Outstanding Service to the Community Award.
A highly-respected medical professional, Dr Jaya has demonstrated exceptional commitment to his patients, ensuring they receive quality and compassionate care. Beyond his medical contributions, he is a passionate volunteer, generously giving his time to support numerous community events and initiatives, Council said in a statement.
Griffith Mayor, Doug Curran acknowledged Dr Jaya’s significant contributions to the local community.
“I want to congratulate Dr Jaya. This is a well-deserved recognition. His commitment to the health and well-being of our community is truly remarkable. His dedication to rural health care over many years has been extraordinary,” Mayor Curran said.
“I’d like to thank those who put forward this nomination to have Dr Jaya named a Freeman of the City. He is such a humble man, who continues to do outstanding things for this City.”
The title of Freeman of the City is the highest civic honour a Council can bestow, reserved for individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the community.
An official ceremony to formally confer the honour will be announced in the coming weeks.
