When well-known local identity Barry Knight fittingly claimed this year’s Citizen Of The Year title at Cobar’s 2020 Australia Day Awards it was a much deserved acknowledgement for a man who has spent his life selflessly helping others around the community.
Whether it’s being the driving force behind the creation of the Cobar’s Miners Memorial, his current roles on the Brennan Centre aged care and RSL Sub Branch Cobar committees, or anything in-between Mr Knight has been a positive local contributor as long as anyone can remember.
Nearly 12 months on and with next year’s Australia Day award nominations now open Mr Knight reflected on what it meant to him to claim such a prestigious local title.
“I look back now and it was definitely nice to be recognised, but I do these things to help the community and not to win the awards,” Mr Knight humbly explained.
“There were, and are, still many others around Cobar who are equally and more de-serving of such an acknowledgement.”
The Cobar stalwart also offered advice to the younger generation who might want to follow in his footsteps and give back to the local community.
“I’ve always said if you want to get in-volved with something around the community then absolutely do it,” Mr Knight said.
“It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and say things but way more rewarding to get in, help people and make a difference.”
You can say thanks to your Cobar community hero and nominate them for an Australia Day award by picking up a form from the Library, Council Offices and Visitor Infor-mation Centre. Nominations close January 8.
