Meet Your Neighbour – Jessica Fields

How long have you been living in Yass?
I’ve been living in Yass for about seven years now, having moved from Canberra. The move was easy for me because I had a few acquaintances here, but now I have ‘Family’.

What do you like about living in Yass?
I love living in Yass because I can walk everywhere. The people are so friendly, even my parents are regarded as locals when they visit me here. I also love living in a place with such a rich heritage from the Indigenous culture of the Ngunnawal people to the lovely historic buildings and the stories you hear about the old days when you talk to a long-time local.

Where do you work?
I work as a Scripture Teacher in High School, and at Berinba Public I work as a School Chaplain and the Family Community Liaison Officer. I love these roles as they allow me to do the things I am passionate about like crafts, reading, and playing games with students, as well as helping families with practical needs.

Tell us about your charity work
I collect toiletries for local charities, such as Share the Dignity. I love a challenge like the Refugee Ration Challenge, where we spend a week eating only what a Syrian Refugee in Jordan would be given for a week. In my first year, I raised $2,500 and I was so proud to reach that goal. Also, with the Combined Yass Churches, I have been part of running the local Youth Group, and I also run youth camps with Synergy Youth.

Where does your passion for charity work come from?
I grew up in a family that always did whatever we could to help out, even if we only had $20 left ourselves, we would spend it to help someone else knowing we had another payday coming, so it is kind of in my blood. I also seek to enact my Christian beliefs.

What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are reading! I love that the kids are still reading Paul Jennings so I can talk to them about when I wrote to him in primary school! I’m currently enjoying the last of the sunny afternoons by reading in my hammock and listening to my chooks scratch around the garden. I also love to cook. Many people might know me as Aunty Jessy from Aunty Jessy’s Cheese, which has recently switched to Aunty Jessy's Collections. I also like bushwalking and driving and discovering new places. These are the things that give me rest and refreshment.

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