Denise Knight retires as Coffs Harbour mayor, see photos of her time

From the fun times to the stressful moments, we take a pictorial look back at Denise Knight’s time on Coffs Harbour City Council.

Mayor Denise Knight with her husband, three children and their partners, and some of her grandchildren. She has six grandchildren.

As Denise Knight’s time as a Coffs Harbour City councillor draws to a close, we take a pictorial look back at her 13 years of service.

When she made her decision to retire in July this year she said it was with a degree of sadness and that it was time for a breath of fresh air.

“I just want the next mayor and councillors to have the passion and the drive that I have had all these years,” Ms Knight said.

She called for cohesion earlier this week when commenting on the results of the weekend’s election, which show Paul Amos out in front.

“I’m happy for Paul (Amos) – he’s been a wonderful councillor,” Ms Knight added.

13 years on council: take a trip down memory lane

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She was first elected to Coffs Harbour City Council in 2008, before claiming victory in a close mayoral tussle four years later, winning just 39 more primary votes than incumbent mayor Keith Rhoades (who also retires this year) and 64 ahead of fellow challenger John Arkan.

After a conclusive re-election in 2016, her passionate advocacy for the controversial Cultural and Civic Space made her a lightning rod for criticism.

It was only compounded with the retirement of Jan Strom which left only eight councillors, a time she admits was one of the most challenging.

She said her door was always open but there were very few “keyboard cowards” responsible for “venomous” comments on social media who took her up on that offer.

In the months ahead she looks forward to travelling in her new caravan with husband Chris and spending time with her six grandchildren.

She has been asked to be on a number of boards but says she hasn’t made any decisions yet on what her next move will be.