After living here for 22 years, Ms Jacobs has made a name for herself among the sporting, youth and volunteer communities.

She is the student support officer at Cessnock High School, primary carer of her mum and the proud owner of five ducks, who were originally given to her as a gift from her students.

If this didn't keep her busy enough, she also is a member of East Maitland Rotary Club, president of Cessnock PCYC, president of Cessnock Family Support Service, secretary of Cessnock Chamber of Commerce and volunteer driving supervisor for Cessnock Driving Success.

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Ms Jacobs said she is driven by passion, whether she's working with youth or the community.

"I really do like being involved in places where there is that sense of family," she said.

"The saying of 'it takes a community to raise a child' is so correct, and if we all give a little bit then everybody's lives are just that little bit better."

Ms Jacobs sees the ripple effect of this every day, especially at school where she has started initiatives like free formal wear for students, or help getting driver's licences.

Every year she orangises free formal wear, transport and hairdressing so no one has to overcome a financial barrier to attend their formal.

"It means that people can literally attend for free, it's a rite of passage, it's so important," she said.

"I'm a big believer in social justice, we need to reduce the ways in which people do have barriers. It's not always fair and if we can reduce those and make it more of an even playing field, then people do thrive in that environment."

Ms Jacobs has been a student support officer for ten years and said it's the best job she has ever had.

"I never thought I would be working in a school to be really honest, I didn't have the greatest experience when I went to high school," she said.

"Honestly it's the best job I've ever had.

"It's amazing the amount of joy you have every day, you know young people get to have so much difference in their lives by little things."

Ms Jacobs said another way she has been able to remove barriers for her students is by applying for funding to offer free driving lessons to young people.

One year later, 35 young people have their p-plates, and they completed their hours and undertook the Safer Drivers Course all thanks to the funding and volunteers.

"It's absolutely amazing, some of the ideas which I've been able to work with, and create some real change. It's an amazing job, I love every minute of it."

Ms Jacobs said she loves the way she can be on the water at the river one moment, and hanging out with some cows the next in Maitland.

"I love the community in Maitland, it's such a thoughtful and caring environment and people really do help each other out," she said.

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