Mr Brian Debus of Bobs Farm, Mr Adrian Everitt of Fingal Bay and Mr Norman Jackson of Salamander Bay were each recognised their contribution to the local community over the past half century during an afternoon tea with local MP Kate Washington.
The award, signed by the NSW Attorney General, is a well deserved recognition of the service provided by Justices of the Peace to their community as they assists residents to complete legal documents including mortgages, passport applications and insurance claims.
Each of the gentlemen who were recognised spoke of their desire to become a Justice of the Peace to support the needs of their communities and workplaces.
Anyone interested in becoming a Justice of the Peace should contact Kate Washington’s office for details or go to www.jp.nsw.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Kate Washington MP
“On behalf of the NSW Attorney General and the residents of Port Stephens, I thank Mr Brian Debus, Mr Adrian Everitt and Mr Norman Jackson for serving our community for the past 50 years as Justices of the Peace.”
“JP’s play in important role in our communities, witnessing signatures and certifying official documentation.
“JP’s are respected citizens who are entrusted by their community to take on special responsibilities. According to the JP oath of office, they are entrusted to ‘do right to all manner of people, after the laws and usages of the State of New South Wales, without fear or favour, affection, or ill-will.’
“Each of the gentlemen who were recognised today, are clearly community-minded and respected individuals, who between them, have now served their communities for 150 years as justices of the peace. I think that’s very impressive and definitely worthy of recognition.
“Being a Justice of the Peace is just one of the many ways that people can give back to the community and I encourage more people to consider becoming a JP today.