Longest-serving president of Yass Valley Sports Council resigns | AUDIO

Cassidy, currently host of the sports show at Yass FM 100.3, served more than half the time the sports council has been in existence.

It all began in 1990 when then president Norm Keogh asked Cassidy if he would like to take up the role. Cassidy was a delegate of junior rugby league at the time, where his three sons played league and three daughters played netball.

Cassidy, in his letter, says a new committee leader is needed to reinvigorate sports in the Yass Valley.

“The growth from Yass shire to Yass Valley shire needs a leader to oversee the enormous growth of our shire well beyond 2020 and a more youthful and enthusiastic leader should be elected,” he writes.

Asked about why he feels he stayed too long, he says he could have achieved more. “You just sometimes think you could’ve achieved more if more effort was put in that last 5–8 years.”

“I realised there are people in the committee who have more expertise and fresh eyes to take the sports council to another level,” he said.

Cassidy said highlights include working with committee members and council to improve facilities, including the development and extensions of Walker and O’Connor parks.

“Our facilities are first class, according to visitors from towns similar to Yass,” he said.

He thanks all those involved who helped him during his presidency.

“The mayors and councillors during the past 40 years, I thank you on behalf of all sports participated by players and their families who gave their time to support their children.”

As for the replacement, Cassidy nominated Dave O’Brien to be new president, who secured a unanimous vote from committee members at the AGM.

O’Brien, who was vice president of the sports council in 2012–17, said Cassidy should be proud of the services he provided to Yass Valley.

“His 25 years on sports council has seen many changes to sporting and recreation precincts throughout the council area. His passion for sport extended beyond council boundaries through his representation as delegate on the South East Region Academy of Sport,” he said.

O’Brien said the committee now has the opportunity to reinvent itself.

“Our immediate goal is to determine our purpose; to re-engage council, sporting and recreation groups; and to begin work with those groups to determine their needs of our sporting precincts. By combining forces, we can ensure we have the contemporary facilities in place for the years ahead,” he said.

On parting wisdom to the new committee members, Cassidy said O’Brien has all the skills to lead.

“He will drive this well. He’s in the public service, he’s got all the buzz and terminologies and knows what you've got to do financially to support sports. He’s got brilliant leadership skills too—he just oozes it.”