Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens SC MP praised local JPs who were honoured at a ceremony at Parliament House for 50 years’ service to the NSW community.

Mr Henskens was present with Attorney General Mark Speakman as he presented Evan Groombridge of Turramurra, Francis Veal of North Turramurra and Peter Walsh of Pymble with certificates to demonstrate to each of them the State’s appreciation for such long and dedicated service.

“It is a remarkable achievement to provide half a century of service as a JP and one that deserves to be honoured,” said Mr Henskens.

“As a JP of 50 years, Evan, Francis and Peter have played an important part in the legal system and in our community by helping hundreds of people at key moments in their lives, such as when they buy a house, access superannuation or go to court.”

JPs serve as an independent witness to documents that people use for official or legal purposes. The primary functions of a JP are to witness a person making a statutory declaration or affidavit and to certify that a copy of an original document is a true and accurate copy.

“There are nearly 95,000 JPs in NSW, together volunteering hundreds of thousands of hours to their communities and assisting the efficient functioning of our legal system,” Mr Henskens said.

The NSW Government introduced commemorative certificates for 50 years of service as a JP in 2012. Since then, more than 2000 certificates have been awarded.

NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said, “The commemorative certificate is a small way of saying thank you to Evan, Francis and Peter for their outstanding contribution to the community.”

People can search for a JP in their area by visiting the online public register of JPs at: www.jp.nsw.gov.au.  A JP fact sheet is available in 12 languages on the website.