JP association needs more volunteers

The Central Coast branch operates nine community desks at various locations around the region

The Central Coast branch of the NSW Justices Association (NSWJA) is looking for more volunteers to help deliver its services to the wider community.

A spokesperson said the primary role of a JP is to witness a person making a statutory declaration or affidavit, and to certify copies of original documents.

“The NSWJA is the leading membership body for Justices of the Peace (JPs) in NSW and it provides regular training and development programs to its members across NSW,” the spokesperson said.

“NSW JPs are now required to pass a knowledge test to become a JP or to renew their existing JP status.

“If you are keen to continue your current JP appointment or you are considering becoming a JP, you are urged to become a member of the Association and attend our monthly meetings to increase your skills set and knowledge of the Justices of the Peace Act 2002 and the NSW JP handbook before your next JP renewal date when you will be required to sit for a knowledge test.”

The spokesperson said membership of the Association is open to all NSW JPs.

“Companies who have JPs on staff can sign up as an Affiliate member which enables their JPs to have full access to the benefits of membership,” the spikesperson said.

“A member of the Association (Ordinary, Associate or Affiliate) is assigned to, or can choose an NSWJA Branch to align with.”

An online learning system (LMS) has been prepared by the NSWJA to enable JPs in NSW to gain a better understanding of the NSW Justice of the Peace Handbook issued by the Department of the Attorney General and Justice in January 2014 and revised in 2017 and is based on the contents of the Handbook.

Central Coast branch meetings are held at 2pm on the first Thursday of the month, at the Gosford Bowling Club in Dane Drive.

These meetings provide an opportunity for NSWJA Members and Affiliate JPs to meet and share their experiences.

They often include training sessions and guest speakers

The Central Coast branch also operates nine community desks at various locations including Erina Fair, Gosford Library, Umina Library and Kincumber libraries, with session details available on the NSWJA website.

If you are a JP and are interested in volunteering at one of the Association’s community desks or would like further details go to https://nswja.org.au or call or email centralcoast@nswja.org.au

Source:
Media release, Aug 15
Central Coast branch, NSWJA