As The Barossa Council’s 2023 Citizen of the Year, 81-year-old Bob Modra, is spreading a message of hope and optimism that he says is as natural as growing the sunflowers he’s become synonymous with.
It’s not unusual to see Bob handing out hundreds of sunflower seed packets at the Barossa Christmas parade to encourage children to grow an entry for the Giant Sunflower competition he convenes at the Tanunda Show.
He’s also a mentor to at-risk students as a volunteer at John’s Place, using his skills as a former Community Mental Health Nurse; in fact Bob contributes to many causes that support and enhance the lives of those in the Barossa community.
An inaugural member of the Grow Love Community Garden in Tanunda, Bob continued the theme of “growing” as a member of the Barossa Suicide Prevention Committee, where he influenced the Seeds of Hope sunflower logo.
Bob describes the sunflower as symbolic and uplifting.
“I guess it’s a response that comes from within,” he says.
“We live in difficult times, you know, and it just brings that joy, some relief and a sense of hope.
“It just has that capacity to put a smile on people’s faces.”
Over the decades, Bob has served as chair or vicechair on a variety of community groups. From the SPOKE Group (Barossa Child Youth and Family Services Group) and Barossa Valley Information Directory Group, to Greenock Agricultural Bureau and Vintage Festival Parade committee, he has devoted his time and talent to many community organisations.
Even today, at age 81, Bob is involved in nearly a dozen organisations such as the Lutheran Community Care, Barossa Valley Historical Vehicle Club, Fathers Farm Board, Seppeltsfield Road Biodiversity Group and the Barossa Community Conversations Focus Group, which works towards determining community welfare needs.
