It was my dream job at 18: brekfast radio announcer at a regional radio station, 95.5 ROK FM.

Everything about the job excited me. I would become part of a community, meet local business owners and community groups and work alongside them to grow their services.

Some of my local media highlights include:

In 2012, while working in local media, I took on different volunteering activities in our community.

I joined our local St John Ambulance Division as a Member of the Board and later as a First Aider and I spent many weekends attending local events in our Shire.

READ OTHER CANDIDATE PROFILES:

- The 'tireless' Bill Jayet

- Alectown farmer Neil Westcott

I provided First Aid support at many Parkes Elvis Festivals, responded to riders who came off their motorbikes in Tottenham, strapped twisted ankles at local touch football carnivals and waited with nervous Patient Ambulances were called at Back Yemma Bigfoot.

The people I met at these events were passionate about their sports and interests and that passion was infectious, and it led me to appreciate more of our shire than I had previously seen.

Their love for their experiences made my volunteer work more rewarding, and I felt as though I was contributing to our shire.

Although I loved my time in media, I always felt I could better serve my community.

In late 2017 I moved from media to the training and employment sector.

I worked hand in hand with local people seeking a fresh start, new opportunities or just needing guidance on where to go next.

This work allowed me to help my community and work in a system that led me to meet State and Federal representatives and work closely with Federal Departments.

This insight into lobbying at the State and Federal levels, along with the network of contacts I have built, will allow me to serve my community in the role of Parkes Shire Councillor.

I have nominated as a candidate to give a voice to families and youth in our Shire, to drive opportunity in education and industry.

To work towards a Parkes Shire where people do not have to choose between relocating for exciting and long careers or staying in the town they love.

Let's build those opportunities here in our Shire, build the infrastructure needed to support these aspirations and grow our community.

So, who am I now?

When I came to Parkes in 2011, I had no idea if I would be here a year or six months - now, I couldn't imagine ever leaving.

I'm a father to two wonderful tiny humans, Oliver and Cooper.

I manage the Country Universities Centre working towards the future of the Parkes Shire by providing opportunities to local students to study at a university campus in their town without being disadvantaged.

I'm a player for the Parkes Boars Rugby Union Football Club and a supporter of all local sports.

I am Jacob Cass, candidate for Parkes Shire Council.

I'm a proud member of the Parkes Shire community and, elected or not, will continue to work as hard as I can for the future of our Shire.

In 2011, I moved to Parkes for work. In 2021, I stayed because it is my community. Vote 1, Jacob Cass.

Find out more about what I stand for by following 'Jacob Cass - Candidate for Parkes Shire' on Facebook.

If you are a Parkes Shire Council election candidate and haven't yet been contacted for a profile, please contact kristy.w@parkeschampionpost.com.au.

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