Three Justices of the Peace (JPs) from the Coffs Coast have been acknowledged for achieving more than half a century of service at a special presentation held today.
Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh said the three local JPs were among more than 300 JPs from across the state who have been recently recognised for their 50 years of service. The presentation ceremonies were delayed due to the pandemic.
“Local residents, Madeleine Wardman, Robert Mill and Ronald Perry have been witnessing and certifying documents for members of the community since 1971,” Mr Singh said.
“We are indebted to each of these outstanding citizens for their remarkable dedication to serving the community for more than five decades.”
Attorney General, Mark Speakman, remarked on the critical role JPs have played within their communities.
“It is important to recognise the countless hours JPs provide to people – whether they are applying for passports, needing a witness for a statutory declaration or affidavit or when they are buying and selling property,” Mr Speakman said.
The youngest in the Class of 71 is 72 years old and the oldest is still providing JP services at age 99. In total, they have clocked more than 16,000 years of service since they took their oath. More than 3,300 long-serving JPs have received the certificates since they were introduced in December 2012.
This special presentation at Mr Singh’s electorate office follows the release of the new Justice of the Peace Handbook for 2022.
The 2022 JP Handbook details new processes such as enabling legal documents to be witnessed remotely via audio visual technology and changes to acceptable forms of identity to include Digital Drivers Licences.
There are approximately 72,000 registered JPs in NSW. If you would like to find out more about volunteering as a JP visit www.jp.nsw.gov.au.
