Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens SC MP, today congratulated the following people for 50 years of service to the community as a Justice of the Peace:

• Juanita Brand of Turramurra
• Geoffrey Jarrett of South Turramurra
• Warren Martin of Wahroonga
• James Thomas of North Turramurra

Ms Brand, Mr Jarrett, Dr Martin and Mr Thomas are some of the longest-serving JPs in the State, who have donated countless hours to helping local people,” said Mr Henskens.

“Just about everyone needs a JP at some point in their life - such as when they buy a house or access their superannuation – and these four Ku-ring-gai residents have always been happy to lend a hand.”

Ms Brand, Mr Jarrett, Dr Martin and Mr Thomas are among more than 250 NSW JPs who are celebrating their Golden Jubilee of service in 2018.  They, like many other fifty-year JPs, attended a ceremony at NSW Parliament on 13 November 2018, where they were presented with a commemorative certificate.

“During the 50 years they has been witnessing documents, they have also witnessed profound social changes and advances in technology.

“The way people track down a JP is among the many things that have evolved, with people now more likely to search online than rely on word of mouth.”

Mr Henskens said the NSW online register of Justices of the Peace is being upgraded to make finding a local JP faster and more convenient than ever.

“The revamped system will enable JPs to specify the dates and times they are available and what languages they speak,” Mr Henskens said.

“For Justices of the Peace, this will mean fewer unwanted calls when they’re busy, while people who urgently need a document witnessed or certified will be able to search the register for someone who can help them promptly.”

The new-look register will begin operating in early 2019. The current register only allows users to search for a JP by name, registration number or postcode.

JPs act as independent and objective witnesses to documents people need for a variety of purposes. Their main functions are to witness affidavits and statutory declarations, and they may also certify copies of original documents. JPs provide their services on a voluntary basis.

There are over 95,000 JPs covering all corners of the state.  For more information on JPs or to find one in your area go to www.jp.nsw.gov.au