Coffs Harbour JPs Robert Mill, Madeleine Wardman and Ron Perry celebrate 50 years of service
From signing off on important documents to offering a shoulder to cry on – three Coffs Harbour Justices of the Peace have pretty much seen it all. Here’s how they found themselves in the limelight.
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Having worked as a journalist and high school teacher, Coffs Harbour identity Robert Mill has seen his fair share – but it was the harrowing stories of domestic violence that most pained.
The desperate words of the battered were among the thousands of documents the 74-year-old has signed off on in a near lifetime of serving as a Justice of the Peace (JP).
Mr Mill, Madeleine Wardman and Ron Perry were this week thanked for 50 years of service as a JP by Coffs Harbour state MP Gurmesh Singh.
Mr Mill answered the call almost by accident when he lived in Sydney.
“It was always hard to find someone to sign off on my documents and I thought maybe there’s a shortage (of JPs),” he said.
“I was sworn in at the Supreme Court which was pretty scary.”
He said there had been many “eye-popping” moments over the years, including signing paperwork for the courts, such as Victim Impact Statements.
“It can be very traumatic – a partner beating a partner up and having a document witnessed by someone, with black eyes and a bruised body,” the former Coffs Coast Advocate journalist said.
“You would see the things that had gone wrong in their lives and just try to encourage them to be strong.
“Sometimes you’d shed a tear with them.”
Mr Mill moved to Sapphire Beach in ’89 and remains heavily involved in community, including with the junior surf club.
Fellow 50-year JP veteran, Ms Wardman said the qualification has proven to be a valuable add-on to her work in the Coffs Harbour legal field.
She said she mostly certifies documents for family and neighbours – and doesn’t do the JP drop-in stands at shopping centres that many are familiar with.
Mr Perry said he became a JP when he started practise as an accountant – after being tipped by Percy Wyatt, who he bought the business from, that it would prove worthwhile.
At age 76, Mr Perry is still in “full flight” as an accountant and tax adviser – and recalls one unexpectedly onerous call as a JP.
That was to sign documentation for a woman looking to adopt four children from the Pacific Islands.
“There was nearly a ream of paper – it just went on and on, and on,” Mr Perry said.
Justice of the Peace is an honorary unpaid role, though Mr Perry said he’d tip customers that there was a collection tin nearby for the rescue helicopter service if they wanted to part with any loose change.
Mr Singh said the three local JPs were among more than 300 statewide to be recognised for their 50 years of service.
“Local residents, Madeleine Wardman, Robert Mill and Ronald Perry have been witnessing and certifying documents for members of the community since 1971,” he said.
“We are indebted to each of these outstanding citizens for their remarkable dedication.”
There are approximately 72,000 registered JPs in NSW. If you would like to find out more about volunteering as a JP visit www.jp.nsw.gov.au.
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