Long service earns JPs honours

Three South West-based Justices of the Peace will be recognised next week for their outstanding service to the community.

Colin Nutt, of Gelorup, Ian Craig, of Australind, and Colin Beauchamp, of Harvey, have all served in their roles for more than 25 years and will be presented with WA Volunteer Service Awards by Volunteering Minister Mick Murray on Wednesday.

“The WA Volunteer Service Awards provide the perfect opportunity to thank Western Australians who have volunteered for more than 25 years,” Mr Murray said.

“Volunteers really are integral to our communities and the WA Volunteer Service Awards are an important means of thanking our volunteers for their efforts in building resilient and connected communities.

“Devoting over a quarter of a century as a Justice of the Peace is an admirable feat and that level of commitment to volunteering is something worthy of celebration.”

Mr Craig and Mr Nutt both identified the simple act of helping people as their favourite part of their 27 year roles and while both were very modest, they agreed it would be nice to be recognised.

“I am quite pleased actually, but I never really thought about it... it does take up a lot of your time though,” Mr Craig said.

“I quite enjoyed court work ... if you can help people out who have got themselves in trouble it is quite rewarding in itself.

“When you do voluntary stuff, a lot of the time you don’t get recognised, but this is one way people can be for their work in the community.”

All three men will receive a personalised certificate of recognition and commemorative badge for their more than 25 year commitment to the community, with 2019 marking the 30th anniversary of National Volunteer Week which will get under way on Monday.

Mr Murray said about four out of every five West Australians were volunteers and collectively donated more than 315 million hours a year to volunteering, all of which made“an immeasurable contribution to our communities”.

The presentation ceremony will be held on Wednesday morning at the Ambrose Estate in Wembley Downs.