Kate Knight and Linda Lee have given much to the Gunnedah community already but say their civic service provides more in return than they could ever ask for.

The pair was recently recognised with the Community Achievement Award at Gunnedah’s 2025 Australia Day presentation.

The annual award, presented by Gunnedah Shire Council, is given to individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution to the community.

“We’re humbled to have been nominated and then to receive the award,” Linda said.

“I was in Queensland and Kate was in Tamworth so neither of us were here.

“Then my phone rang and Kate said ‘have you seen the results?’

“I’ve received some lovely text messages from people, … some beautiful responses.

“We’re very honoured to be acknowledged like that for the work we’ve done and that we love doing.”

The long-serving volunteers serve as president (Kate) and secretary (Linda) at both the Gunnedah Can Assist and Gunnedah Evening VIEW organisations.

Can Assist provides support for people from the Gunnedah area who are receiving treatment for cancer and the expenses involved in hospital visits. Meanwhile, the VIEW club – which stands for the Voice, Interests and Education of Women – raises funds to support disadvantaged children through the Smith Family.

With decades of experience behind them at both organisations, Kate said the one-two, committee combination works on many levels.

“As president it’s great to have a great secretary to help out, who is also a great friend as well,” she said.

Linda agreed and said they often bounce ideas off each other.

“We’re on the same page a lot of the time, that’s why it works so well,” she said.

Linda was part of the original Gunnedah cancer support group which amalgamated with Gunnedah Can Assist in about 2010.

Kate joined soon after and the Can Assist organisation continues to thrive today with an enthusiastic and loyal following.

“We’ve picked up a few younger members,” Linda said. “A lot of people see the fun we have in the fundraising and people want to help.”

She said the Gunnedah group has also formed strong ties with its broader membership base.

“We have a great rapport with the Sydney head office too.

“They use our branch to show others what should happen.”

Kate said a big part of the success for Gunnedah Can Assist has been the local-first funding model.

“I think it’s because they know the funds we raise stay local so we’re helping local people who really need it,” she said.

Kate and Linda offered a special thanks for the award nomination and all the congratulations received since.

They said the future holds much promise for a strong, “community-minded” town like Gunnedah.

The pair is confident volunteer organisations like Can Assist, VIEW club and others will continue to succeed with fresh faces on committees long after their tenures have ended.

“We love what we do, we’re passionate about it,” Linda said.

“We thoroughly enjoy doing what we do but there will come a time when we will need to step back,” Kate added. “If someone is willing to take over, we would be willing to step back.”

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