The countless hours of voluntary work that local Barry Knight and his late wife Virginia (Ginny) contributed to the Cobar community was recognised in State Parliament last week.
State Member for Barwon Roy Butler briefly outlined their contributions to Cobar in a Community Recognition Statement read out in parliament last Thursday.
Each day Members may give a one minute statement to congratulate or acknowledge the achievements of people or groups in the community, recognise charity work, retirement or honours and awards, or express words of thanks or condolences.
In his speech last week, Mr Butler explained that Barry’s family have been in Cobar for almost 150 years.
“He is a true local—an Iron Ringer. Barry has held positions on countless community committees and has dedicated thousands of hours of his time serving the community,” Mr Butler said.
“One major achievement is the Cobar Miners Memorial, commemorating miners who have lost their lives in Cobar mines or from mining-related illnesses.
“The project took over seven years to complete, and opened on 19 June 2021.
“Barry would say that it would not have been possible without Virginia ‘Ginny’ Knight, his wife.
“Ginny was his supporter and an amazing community contributor in her own right.
“Ginny once saw a fence full of poppies honouring war veterans and thought that Cobar needed its own version.
“It officially opened on 13 August this year.
“Ginny Knight passed away in October 2021, but her legacy lives on with the Cobar Poppy Fence and other projects.
“Barry is not done yet. He is assisting with the new Cobar War Memorial, along with other projects.”
Mr Butler commended Barry and Ginny on their tireless efforts for the good health of the community of Cobar.
