Emily Chapman Laing
The Cranbourne and Narre Warren Justices of the Peace are encouraging local residents to consider becoming a certified Justice of the Peace (JP).
“For people that are already involved in community activities, becoming a JP is just an extension of that volunteering,” Cranbourne Justice of the Peace Group Secretary Garry Luxford said.
“We all feel good about helping one another.
“JPs are trusted and respected people in the community.”
The primary roles of a JP are to witness a person making a statutory declaration or affidavit, and to certify copies of original documents.
As the population of Casey continues to grow, the JP groups have noticed an “overwhelming” need for their services, with the current number of JPs “struggling to meet the demand” of the community.
Cranbourne Justice of the Peace Group are hoping the recruitment of new JPs in the south Casey area will “ease the load” and help to meet the needs of new growth areas that currently don’t have a Justice of the Peace representing them.
Mr Luxford said he noticed a rising need for JPs over two years ago.
“Especially in Clyde North, Clyde and Cranbourne West,” he said.
Casey’s JPs work from four designated Document Signing Centres.
“The biggest thing about the recruitment is that we encourage prospective JPs to visit a Document Signing Centre and see what’s involved,” Mr Luxford said.
Mr Luxford said while the training to become a JP is mandatory, it doesn’t show the “magnitude” of the documents JPs are responsible for signing.
He said the best way to see what the role is really like is to visit a Document Signing Centre.
“We welcome all new Justices of the Peace to our City and hopefully will join your local Justice of the Peace groups and join the rosters at the Document Signing Centres.”
Wendy Cantwell, Coordinator of Bunjil Place Library Document Signing Station, has been a JP for over 25 years.
“We have a really diverse group of JPs at Casey,” Ms Cantwell said.
“It’s a wonderful way for people to put back into their community.”
Ms Cantwell said being a JP is about “being accessible to the community” at a Document Signing Centre, even just for a couple of hours each month.
Local JP Lloma Shaw has been a practicing JP for nearly 20 years.
“As part of my contribution to our community it fits in well with my work with Rotary and the Boards of Balla Balla Community Centre and the ACE (Aiding Casey Education) Foundation,” she said.
“JP work is always interesting and varied and I enjoy meeting people from many cultural backgrounds and also assisting them with their documentation.
“We are ordinary people from many backgrounds and experience but all wish to support our community. “
President of the Cranbourne Justice of the Peace Group, Peter Hooper says working at the Document Signing Centres has been “so rewarding”.
“People often arrive confused by legal documents and language barriers, under stress and even in tears,” he said.
“Seeing them leave smiling is really rewarding.
Cranbourne JPs now service the community six days a week in three locations but we’re ageing and need support to share the load in a growing community.”
Mr Hooper said JPs are essential “to release police for their more crucial roles”.
People of all cultural and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Attendance at an information session is mandatory as part of the application.
The next information sessions are available online on Tuesday 11 July and Thursday 13 July at 6pm.
“I admire anyone thinking about becoming a JP because this is a great way to give back to the community and you will have a great sense of pride in volunteering,” Mr Luxford said.
Local Justices of the Peace are available to discuss the role throughout the week at the following Document Signing Centres:
Balla Balla Community Centre.
Unit 7/9 Selandra Blvd, Clyde North.
Monday-Friday 12pm-3pm and Tuesday 12pm-6pm.
Cranbourne West Community Centre.
4 Flicka Blvd, Cranbourne West.
Monday 12pm-6pm, Wednesday 5:30pm-6:30pm and Thursday 5pm-7pm.
Connected Libraries Cranbourne.
65 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East.
Saturday 10am-12pm.
Bunjil Place.
2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren.
Monday-Friday 10am-12pm and Tuesday 4pm-6pm.
