Originally from Harden, Jess is the daughter of Pat and Rita O’Connor. 

Jess studied a combined arts/ law degree at the University of New England, Armidale, and before taking up this job was working as a solicitor in Dubbo.

She and her husband, Brad Cavanagh, moved back to Harden earlier this year and Brad is now working on the family farm, Oxton Park.

She said Harden has a lot of potential to expand and be a great centre for residents and for the people out of town as well.

Given the combination of Harden’s history and the major events already held in the town there was the potential for the town to be become a major drawcard for tourists.