VOLUME VOLUME 12 17 •• NUMBER NUMBER 22 •• WINTER WINTER 2015 2020
QJA - ESTABLISHED IN 1918 Official Magazine of the Queensland Justices Association
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
THE CORONOVIRUS THAT DEFINED 2020
2 COMPANY INFORMATION
3 PRESIDENT’S PAGE
4 A DIRECTOR’S PERSPECTIVE
5 NEW QJA OFFICERS
NEW STYLE TRAINING
HELP LINES & SUPPORT
6 COVID-19 CRISIS
MEMBER STORIES
8 MEMBER PROFILES
9 TECHNICAL NEWS
Since January 2020 the new coronavirus has spread around the globe causing a health and economic crisis in many countries. Australia, and Queensland in particular, has fared well comparatively in the health sphere. However, severe restrictions on the movement of people have had recuperations on our daily lives. In this edition we hear about how our members have dealt with their changed lives.
QJA MEMBERS ON THE FRONT LINE
10 STATE CONFERENCE
11 ROLL OF HONOUR
12 Q & A
14 REGIONAL ROUNDUP
16 REGIONAL CONTACTS
Beverley Leckie, Registered Nurse (left), Judy Burt, Hospital Chaplin (centre) and Tammy Copley, Registered Nurse and Midwife (right) are three of our members who are helping keep Queenslanders safe during the COVID-19 restrictions. Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
Patron
The Honourable Chief Justice Catherine E Holmes AC
Board of Directors President
John Carpendale JP(Qual)
Vice President
Bruce Birtwell JP(Qual)
Directors
M: 0419 683 325 E: john.carpendale@qja.com.au
M: 0429 350 230 E: bruce.birtwell@qja.com.au
Julie Arthur OAM JP(Qual)
M: 0417 786 169 E: julie.arthur@qja.com.au
Joan Kennedy JP(Qual)
Brooke Batley JP(Qual)
M: 0477 510 517 E: brooke.batley@qja.com.au
Chris Lancaster OAM JP(Qual)
M: 0477 510 517 E: joan.kennedy@qja.com.au
M: 0448 504 404 E: chris.lancaster@qja.com.au
Nathan Milne JP(Qual)
Graeme Moorhouse JP(Qual)
Andrea Reynolds JP(Qual)
Garth Stephens JP(Qual)
.au
M: 0468 796 826 E: nathan.milne@qja.com.au
JP (Qual) 4152 3318 (AH) 2 135 @qja.com.au
dale JP(Qual) 3353 2927 683 325 endale@qja.com.au
Porter JP(Qual) 48 189 ter@qja.com.au
M: 0437 439 761 E: andrea.reynolds@qja.com.au
M: 0439 964 899 E: graeme.moorhouse@qja.com.au
M: 0481 550 721 E: garth.stephens@qja.com.au
Queensland Justices Association State Office
Business Manager and Registrar Wendy La Macchia JP(Qual) E: admin@qja.com.au
Training Coordinator Pamela Currie E: training@qja.com.au
Membership Officer Gabor Beres JP (Qual) E: memberships@qja.com.au
Merchandise Officer Aaron Dunster JP(Qual) E: merchandise@qja.com.au
ACN 009 666 559 – ISSN 1839-2784 751 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102. PO Box 8419, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102 Freecall 1800 061 423; Phone (07) 3392 2455 E:admin@qja.com.au www.qja.com.au
The QJA Journal is compiled by an Editorial Board on behalf of the QJA. | Editor Joan Kennedy Deputy Editor: John Carpendale. 392 2955
The views expressed in articles & advertisements published in the QJA Journal are not necessarily the views of the Queensland Justices Association or the Board of Directors.© Queensland Justices Association claims copyright to all material published in this Journal. No material may be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the QJA. All enquiries should be addressed to The Editor at editor@qja.com.au
ZinkJP Print. PO Box 236, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone 0437 777 079 or visit us at www.zinkprint.net.au. AE, Cert Printed IV Fin by Serv, (Qual) 2
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
eensland Justices Association
VOLUME 17 • NUMBER 2 • SPRING 2020
PRESIDENT’S PAGE Fellow QJA members, As we enter the 2020 winter season, it’s insightful to realise we’ve now been experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and hibernation for more than three months. In mid-March, we issued a membership email message explaining the impact of the pandemic on QJA and its members – the planned event postponements, suspensions and cancellations; the modified functioning of the QJA office; the suspension of community signing site activities; arrangements for volunteering from home and at work; and suggestions for making the most of social isolation. Then, at the end of March, we supplemented the initial message with some detailed guidelines for volunteering from home under social distancing conditions. We are now in the restrictions easing phase of the pandemic and we sincerely hope (a) you are all well – both physically and psychologically, (b) you have not only survived but have successfully managed to adjust to the enforced changes to our traditional way of life and (c) you have even embraced some positive lifestyle changes you will carry forward to the postCOVID phase. This issue of the Journal includes a dedicated COVID-19 section (pages 6-9) with information on the personal experiences of a wide cross-section of the QJA membership community (including front-line health workers) over the last several weeks and months. Thank you to everyone who responded to our call for relevant content. I am sure we will all enjoy reading about how other members have managed and adjusted to this unique period of hibernation, social distancing and enhanced personal hygiene. Business impacts Like the rest of the business world, QJA has needed to adjust and respond to the changed operating environment imposed by COVID-19. For example: Board Meetings: Reinforcing the practice introduced several years ago, all QJA’s monthly Board Meeting are conducted via Zoom videoconference. All directors are now experienced and comfortable with this medium and the physical gathering of board members is restricted to six-monthly strategical planning sessions (subject to COVID-19 social gathering conditions). Office operations: From Monday 23 March the QJA office at Woolloongabba was closed for entry by members and the public. The four full-time employees compiled a roster that ensured one officer was present in the office each working day while the others worked from home. From 1 June, this arrangement was adjusted so that two officers are present in the office each day with the other two working from home. A daily Zoom videoconference is conducted each workday morning – allowing all officers to interact with each other and resolve those matters requiring determination. The changed working conditions have functioned very smoothly with the impact on clients and customers being negligible. The arrangement has been so successful it is anticipated that some working from home will be continued post-COVID. Pre-appointment Training: With the imposed ban on the gathering of groups of people, it was necessary to suspend QJA’s face-toface pre-appointment training courses until later in the year. The very popular self-paced online training courses have continued
uninterrupted and to cater for those students who prefer some guided trainer tuition but who have difficulty being available for the set-dates face-to-face courses, QJA has introduced a blended course option. This alternative allows the student to supplement their online study and assessment with videoconference trainerstudent interaction. The article on page 5 explains more. Professional Development: To make the most of the social isolation conditions, we suggested members might like to refresh their technical JP/C.Dec knowledge by registering for the free Professional Series courses on the QJA website. Almost 100 members accepted our invitation to use their newlyavailable home-time in this productive way and those who have successfully completed each of the four modules have been issued with a Certificate of Completion. Congratulations all. To complement these technical knowledge courses, QJA is now compiling a library of soft-skills courses (Communication, Leadership, Mediation, Teamwork, Conflict Resolution, Dealing with Difficult People, Negotiation etc.). These additional selfpaced online PD courses will be progressively made available to members in the coming weeks and months). Branch operations: The restrictions on group gatherings enforced the cancellation/suspension of the scheduled March, April, May and June PD meetings, workshops and social get-together functions for our QJA branches. With our March email message to Branches, reinforced by the follow-up personal engagement of QJA directors (each in their role as Patron for a cluster of QJA branches & contact groups), QJA’s regional entities were encouraged to use videoconferencing technology, newsletters, email blasts and personal phone calls to interact with their local QJA constituent members – especially the older cohort who might be feeling socially isolated. Some of the branches have been very successful in adapting to the imposed physical distancing conditions and their stories are featured in the Regional Roundup section (pages 14-15). State Conference: In view of the general uncertainty about the exact timing of pathway out of the pandemic’s social distancing restrictions, the QJA Board decided in April to defer the next State Conference (scheduled for November 2020) until May 2021 to align with National Volunteers Week. More details are contained in the article on page 10. QJA Awards: The next annual QJA Awards (also scheduled to be presented in November 2020) have now been deferred to May 2021 (to coincide with the next State Conference). National Volunteer Week: As the 2020 National Volunteer Week (18-24 May) fell in the midst of the coronavirus lockdown period, the scheduled group function was cancelled and in lieu, QJA issued an “Thank You” eCard to our members together with a special video message from the QJA Registrar, Wendy La Macchia. New QJA Officers Welcome to new board member Julie Arthur OAM and new employee Pamela Currie. The article on page 5 contains additional information on both officers.
John Carpendale, QJA President Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
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A DIRECTOR’S PERSPECTIVE In this edition of the QJA Journal we hear from our Vice President Bruce Birtwell JP (Qual), who reflects on his own personal journey with membership of the QJA. Bruce outlines how his personal involvement in the organisation has given him great satisfaction. It has enhanced his ability to give back to the community and support his colleagues. The early years: I was appointed as a JP by notice in the Government Gazette on 28th October 1989. My certificate of Registration was signed by the then Premier of Queensland, the Honourable Russell Cooper MLA. The Premier was my local member as I resided in Roma at the time. Eight years later, on 13 May 1997, when the legislation for Justices of the Peace changed, I upgraded to JP (Qualified). I became a member of the Queensland Justices Association on 23 January 1990. But for many years, as I moved around Queensland in my work, I merely paid my membership and didn’t participate in much else. Getting involved: It was not until I came to Toowoomba in 2004 that my involvement in the association developed. Until then, apart from this quarterly Journal, I did not know what the benefits of membership meant. As a JP or Commissioner of Declarations we do the role for a number of reasons. Mostly, we wish to help provide a service to the community or our employer might pay for the training so that clients can be assisted in the workplace. I am sure a number of you out there, like me for many years, don’t fully appreciate the support that can be gained from QJA membership. Being involved with your local branch is a major area of this support. One of the functions of the branch is to keep you up to date and informed about changes in your role. It also gives you the opportunity to contribute to the development of the branch and your colleagues, and to the QJA as a whole. It provides a network for discussion and encourages you to share your experiences with fellow members. In doing so, it enhances everyone’s’ role as a JP or C.Dec. Branch leadership: I became the Chair of the Toowoomba Branch and since that time I have endeavoured to build the purpose of the monthly meeting as a forum for professional development. This includes regular guest speakers and in-house training using the online QJA resources. Our branch members coordinate the “JPs in the Community” services at Clifford Gardens shopping centre on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings. The branch has gone from strength to strength with increased meeting attendances and great member participation. The Toowoomba branch, under my stewardship, partnered with the neighbouring Lockyer Branch to host the 2017 QJA Annual State Conference in Toowoomba. The theme for the conference was Diversity on the Range, and, by all accounts the conference was a huge success. 4
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
Bruce (back row, far right) and the 2017 Conference volunteer team A major initiative for the branch in 2017, in line with our conference theme, was to fund and mentor several people from diverse cultural backgrounds to become JPs. This enabled them to provide support and services within their cultural communities. Our branch continues to promote diversity within the QJA membership by participating in the annual Toowoomba Multi-Cultural festival. This raises the profile of the QJA and promotes our services to these communities. Association leadership: My initial involvement with the broader association was focused on planning for the 2017 conference. However, the more I was involved the greater my interest became, and I was appointed to the QJA Board in November 2015, and then in 2019 I was elected as QJA Vice President. As a Board member I have played a significant role in developing the QJA annual awards as well as the Branch development forums which bring branch executive committees together. I have also had input to the strategic development of the Association for the benefit of all members. Not everyone is going to or desire to have this level of involvement. But I believe that, as a QJA member, I have an obligation to contribute through the Board and my local QJA branch. From my perspective, branch participation brings many benefits including being able to draw on the talents and experience of members, access to the QJA website member resources, as well as access to guest presenters on a broad range of topics. It provides a network of members engaging with and providing services to the local community. The future: We have seen the role of JPs and C.Decs change over time and know how hard it is to keep up to date. I believe it is important that branches continue to flourish and support member professional development while at the same time engaging with our community. In this way we can be confident that we provide a consistent and professional service to our clients. I urge all fellow members to get involved with their local branch; you won’t be disappointed.
VOLUME 17 • NUMBER 2 • SPRING 2020
NEWS NEW QJA OFFICERS In this edition of the QJA Journal we introduce two new faces to the QJA family. Julie Arthur OAM who has been appointed to fill the Board Director casual vacancy which arose when Jennifer Sanders stood down, and Pamela Currie who has taken over the role of Training Coordinator formerly held by Cindy Revell. Welcome aboard. You might recognise Julie as she was featured in the Autumn 2020 edition of the Journal as one of our members who was honoured in the Australia Day Awards. A former public servant with a long and distinguished career in local government, Julie has credentials that will complement the existing mix of knowledge and skills of our current Board members. She has an interest in financial reporting and a passion for the practical application of current corporate governance principles and practices. When Julie became aware there was vacancy on the Board, she could see how this would be an ideal opportunity to put her professional expertise to work and actively contribute as a Board Director.
met some really wonderful people in my short time with the QJA and can’t wait to speak to many more of you soon!
Pamela Currie
NEW STYLE JP TRAINING The restrictions associated with managing the COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted many workplaces, but it has also provided an opportunity to do things differently. Due to restrictions on gatherings, face to face classroom preappointment training has been paused until further notice. To ensure that QJA continues to be the leader in delivery of the ‘Community Justice Services’ course, we have developed a ‘blended’ approach to course delivery. Commencing in May, QJA is offering a six-week course which is a combination of independent online learning and interactive teleconference sessions with a trainer. During the course students will complete all of the online modules, and participate in three (3) interactive webinars of two (2) hours duration. Students will complete their assessments progressively during the course. The first blended course will be completed by the end of June and so far, feedback is very positive. As with any pilot program, the trainers will monitor feedback and make adjustments as necessary.
HELP LINES AND SUPPORT
Julie is a very experienced Justice of the Peace providing services to her local community for more than 40 years. Julie says ‘I am really looking forward to contributing to the development and growth of the QJA and look forward to meeting many of the members in the future.’
If you are feeling isolated or need some support, help is on offer from a variety of agencies.
Here is Pamela.
Queensland Care Army: 1800 173 349
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Hi all, my name is Pamela Currie and I have recently started in the position of Training Program Coordinator with the QJA. Prior to working with the association, I have had experience in a number of different sectors including insurance, hospitality and tourism management, small business, aged care & most considerably, training and education development within RTO’s similar to that of the QJA. My passion for this role is driven out of a desire to see people succeed and expand their knowledge – especially when this is associated with volunteering and working within the community to assist others. It was for this reason that I was attracted to the role in the first place. I love that I get to combine my passion for people and education while contributing to the greater good of the community in my day to day work. I have also completed my assessment to become a JP (Qual). I look forward to hearing from the Justice Department and being able to practice shortly. Outside of work, I like to spend a lot of time with my family, that is my husband, 3 gorgeous girls, our son in law, 5 grandchildren (and counting!) and of course, the two dogs! I have already
Queensland Health: 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) National Coronavirus Health Information: 1800 020 080 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 – All calls and chats are one-onone with a trained mental health professional, and completely confidential. 24 hour/7 days. Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 – A national charity providing crisis support and suicide prevention services. 24 hour/7 days. Carers Australia: 1800 242 636 – Short-term counselling, emotional and psychological support services for carers and their families. Family and Domestic Violence Services: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) – Confidential information, counselling and support service for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. 24 hours access. Red Cross Telecross program: 1300 885 698 – Provides a short phone call each day to check physical wellbeing. The Community Recovery Hotline: 1800 173 349 – Provides advice, information and support. If there is no other means of getting food or essential items, they can help arrange this. People who are in self-isolation at home can access this service. Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
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NEWS COVID -19 CRISIS The silver lining The year 2020 will forever be defined by events relating to the new coronavirus and COVID-19 disease. At first, we in Australia, just looked on as the unnamed disease gripped the Wuhan Provence in China and soaring daily death tolls were reported. After all, Australians were just breathing a collective sigh of relief as it started raining and extinguished the devastating bushfires we had suffered over the preceding few months. But then, and it seemed as though it was overnight, we were all corralled into our homes, shops were closed, businesses were shut down, while sporting fixtures and festivals were cancelled. We heard a daily tally of each new COVID-19 case as it was broadcast on every media platform 24/7. When we could get to the shops there was fighting in the aisles and not a roll of toilet paper to be had. All doom and gloom so far. Well, they say every cloud has a silver lining, so let’s have a look at some of the good things to emerge from our enforced hibernation. During a time of crisis good neighbours and good friends come to the fore and we saw this with the establishment of the Queensland Care Army, where volunteers were encouraged to support the elderly and vulnerable by doing their shopping and keeping an eye on them to keep them safe at home. Hand hygiene has never been so good as we all learnt to wash our hands ‘properly’, cough into our elbow and of course, keep our distance, especially when coughing. One of the by-products of restrictions on gatherings was an 80% reduction in the number of reported cases of influenza compared to the same period in 2019. With so many people at home all day Queensland Police reported a drop in opportunistic break and enter crime rates in some parts of the State as criminals avoided confronting residents. Peak hour traffic just disappeared and, as travel restrictions remained in place, the need for petrol plummeted along with the price. This really was ‘back to the future’ People learnt new skills as the uptake of new technology soared, and ‘Zoom’ meetings became an everyday occurrence.
MEMBER STORIES We asked you to tell us your stories about how you have been coping during enforced hibernation. Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us your stories. Unfortunately, we are unable to print all of your contributions in full. Instead, we have chosen some comments to reflect the mood and spirit of our members. While some lament the loss of social contact with family and friends, there is definitely a mood of optimism and resilience. That volunteer spirit has not been dampened by this virus.
Social distancing and hygiene precautions Some told us about their ‘home improvements’ to accommodate social distancing and hygiene precautions. I conduct the signing in my carport, adhering to social distancing, I manage this by using my car bonnet to maintain distance between the client and myself. AG Considering the QJA advice regarding Witnessing at Home, I set up an area on my rear deck where visitors requiring JP assistance might sit and conform with social distancing requirements. Hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes at the ready. PV I follow the following Protocol - meeting at my home and sitting on my front veranda 1.5 metres apart. I pre-advise the client that I have to wear gloves and a mask although I have tested negative for Covid-19, everyone is very accepting and often relieved at this. A few people come wearing masks as well. They also have to bring their own black pen and of course ID. JW The social distancing as such is not a great problem for me. Regular hand washing is part of my work. Disposable gloves are in the car. GF Rather than attending to JP duties from my office, this work has merely relocated to the home situation, albeit in smaller numbers. Social distancing measures were relatively easy to comply with as the home environment was set up to facilitate compliance and safety. While social distancing measures at the office were implemented through a closure of the office to members of the public, my self-isolation allowed me to minimise any risks. PV Since the signing centres have stopped operating, I have had seven clients call on me at home. I have set up in my garage and am able to maintain social distancing. GL Geoff Lapthorne JP (Qual) in his garage signing centre.
New Technology Some report that adopting new technology has become the new normal. We have become completely dependent on computers and social media. Committee meetings for the many organisations we are involved with are now conducted by Zoom. Attendance is up because no one has an excuse for not tuning in. Our church is live streaming the Sunday service. GL 6
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
VOLUME 17 • NUMBER 2 • SPRING 2020
NEWS I have become a proficient Zoom user, but my new technology skills were stretched when I tried online shopping for the first time. I thought I had ordered a kilo of potatoes, so you can image my surprise when the order arrived with only 1 single potato! JL
which has racked up 320K in 10 years has hardly moved for weeks. Enormous savings. PM
Unusual requests
Professional development and home duties
I had a phone call from an RSPCA person asking if I can sign their arrest warrants as the courts are closed. I understand that this is a very complicated legal procedure as a summons may suffice.
Occupying enforced stay at home time saw some take up new hobbies while others refreshed their knowledge.
I declined for the moment as I needed time to totally understand this procedure and requested them to ask again if needed. AH
I have taken the chance to participate in QJA on-line professional development and training activities. Some topics refreshed my knowledge while others covered aspects, I had not experienced in my practical JP role. PV
Post COVID-19
We have our church on line. LW
I have also been able to further some projects my QJA Branch is working on, the major one being planning for a JP / C.Dec course for later in the year. While some arrangements have commenced, this project seeks to attract expressions of interest in the course so that post-COVID-19 we may have a viable number to run a course. PV I also used the time to do the QJA Professional series 1 and 2 courses on line. Was interesting and it kept me thinking. GF I keep busy by setting tasks, when I am not working from home. Gardening projects, cooking up biscuits, fruit mince pies and giving them to the wonderful people at the coffee club that still serve my coffee. TF Gardening, reading and working on projects for a social group keeps me occupied. GF
Social isolation and community interactions Many told us about the social isolation they were experiencing and how much they missed their colleagues at the signing centres and mixing with family and friends The worst thing is not being able to hug our grandchildren. However, I also feel bad about the people who ring for me to sign something because of the shopping centre signing stations being closed. LW It seems most around this area are staying home, so quiet. People needing my services always knew where I would be. I hope we are soon able to pick up some of the pieces of our way of life. I miss the interaction with people, life gets a bit lonely for now. PD
Novice JPs As a newly appointed JP (appointed 4 March 2020) I never really expected to be as busy as what I have been. JW Since the signing sites have been closed, I have been getting about 2 calls per week from the general public. As a new JP I am seeing a lot of different documents. Fortunately, the QJA has been able to support me with any queries I have had. NM
Staying at home and going nowhere About every 2 weeks I travel the 4.5 hour trip in each direction from Goondiwindi to Brisbane to attend a meeting often arriving back home late at night. The lockdown has proven a bonus in that meetings locally, Brisbane and some Nationally has taken pressure off, my car
Everyone is looking forward to getting back to some sort of normality and our members are no different as these comments suggest. I am looking forward to the chance to socialise with friends, to travel to visit family members, and to plan some overseas travel, perhaps not by cruise liner. PV I am looking forward to going to have a steak and chips in the local club/pub with a view of the beach. TF
What Virus? (COVID-19 in the country) Former QJA Vice President, Marian Vierveyzer, muses on life west of the great divide during the pandemic. A big thank you everyone who didn’t travel out to the country over the last 4 months, and those that did for sticking to the hygiene protocols set down by government. Almost the entire region west of the Great Dividing Range continues to be virus free, with a couple of exceptions. I have been watching the news and keeping up to date with the figures, not just out of interest but also due to my paid employment. While others were slowing down, working from home or losing their jobs, my work exploded into another universe. My world was about getting the correct information from the right sources and developing communications, instructions and advising on what was best for the workforce as well as the community. From the beginning, I continued to say this was the reset we needed to have. Life had been speeding up at an alarming rate and someone had to press the pause button. For some of us it hit hard on finances and others on family or friend connections. It has been very sad to see people lose loved ones through all of this, but if there is a positive side to that, the number of lives were comparatively low and, in the main, children’s health was not affected. News readers didn’t use their usual exaggerations and extreme adjectives to describe the virus such as “the worst rain we’ve seen in 2 weeks”. Politicians pulled together to manage issues for the entire country. Wasn’t that refreshing? But through all of this most of us are still trying to understand “why toilet paper”. For our friends who live on properties who Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
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NEWS buy a month’s worth of groceries in one shop, not just for the family but also for their workers and who still cook at home every day and home school all the time - what’s the difference? Nothing much has changed.
Tammy provides health services to ‘mums and bubs’ in their homes and clinics.
But now that the curve has flattened and we look forward to sending the kids back to school, country folk are asking “what was all the fuss was about?”.
While it was her uncle that was the inspiration for her to become a JP, it was while she was working as a midwife and child health nurse for an Aboriginal Medical Service that she realised just how much demand there was for JP services amongst her clients.
We’ve had no virus out here! Social distancing was something that was normal. We can say g’day from the other side of the street and the challenge was not how many times to wash our hands but where to wash our hands. There’s no dispenser holder on the saddle for the hand sanitiser! We did as we were told, with wiping surfaces, washing hands, no hugging or kissing and not visiting. But when the restriction on travel was first announced people were happy to travel the 50 kilometres to their letter box or to the neighbour’s place. You certainly couldn’t get to the next town. So, we did what we always do, roll our eyes and think “that’s city thinking for you” and interpreted it into country miles. We are still wary of visitors and are happy to welcome them back, but please not until you’ve been vaccinated. Marian Vierveyzer JP(Qual) – Roma Qld
MEMBER PROFILES The new coronavirus has pushed our health care workers into the spotlight and we are sure that all QJA members join with our fellow Australians to say thank you for your dedication and professionalism.
Tammy Copley JP (Qual) When we called for your stories Tammy Copley reminded us of the impact COVID-19 was having on our health care workers and nurses in particular, as she said ‘May 5 was International Day of the Midwife. May 12 was International Nurses Day and 2020 is International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. We surely didn’t expect COVID19 to rain on our parade and highlight our professions. We thought we would be having a year of celebration and recognition and not a year of trial, tribulations, trauma and the public having to see health professionals and especially Nurses and Midwives showcased in such a way. We also didn’t expect to hear of the deaths of so many of our colleagues worldwide. This year on International Nurses Day we will be recognising the loss of those colleagues via online means and by making a video of Australian and New Zealand Nurses and Midwives to commemorate our fallen colleagues across the globe. 8
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
She had watched her uncle for a number of years as he served the community as a Justice of the Peace.
Tammy realised that becoming a JP would be very beneficial for her the indigenous community and her client group, so she quickly set about becoming a JP. That was 20 years ago and she has been helping her patients and the community with witnessing and certifying services ever since. ‘Working conditions have been a little different during the last couple of months as we try to prevent the spread of COVID-19.’ said Tammy. Many of her colleagues have been co-opted into hospital service so her workload has increased somewhat. Going into people’s homes and clinics while applying social distancing restrictions has been quite challenging says Tammy. ‘Initially, many patients were quite fearful, particularly those with premature babies, and not knowing what to expect. But that seems to have dissipated now as nurses tend to go about their business in a calming and reassuring way, and of course appropriate hand washing is nothing new to us.’ Tammy finds being a QJA member very beneficial, as she purchases her stamps and other merchandise from QJA and uses the QJA office address on any legal documents. She recommends the pre-enrolment training to those wishing to become JPs and encourages JP colleagues to take up QJA membership. Despite being fully occupied with her nursing career, when the COVID-19 crisis subsides Tammy is hoping to join a community signing centre to keep giving back to the community.
Judy Burt JP (Qual) We all know about the work of doctors, nurses, and other health professionals in hospitals, but few might think of the patient’s need for pastoral or spiritual care. One of our QJA members provides just that. Providing JP services for patients and staff at The Prince Charles Hospital is Chaplain Judy Burt. Originally from North Wales, UK, Judy (pictured) was persuaded by her father to pack up her young family and immigrate to Queensland’s Gold Coast in the 1980s. After almost 20 years on the Gold Coast Judy moved to the Sunshine Coast where she took up the role of Chaplain at the Nambour Hospital. It was here that she was encouraged to become a JP and has continued to provide pastoral and JP services to patients ever since.
VOLUME 17 • NUMBER 2 • SPRING 2020
MEMBER PROFILES Now working at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane, Judy says work looks a bit different this year as social distancing and other restrictions have been put in place. Judy spoke about how quiet the hospital became at the beginning of the pandemic. Elective surgery and some outpatient services were put on hold, hospital wards were made ready to treat an influx of patients with COVID-19 and all non-essential staff and volunteers were asked to stay at home. The place seemed rather eerie. Fortunately, to date, those wards have not been filled with COVID-19 patients and there is a feeling that the place is emerging from its cocoon as services come back on line. Judy and her husband Bob, who is also a JP, are usually found at the Brookside Shopping centre witnessing for the JPs in the Community Program. However, due to the temporary closure of the program they have set themselves up quite nicely on the patio at home to receive clients needing JP services.
Beverley Leckie JP (Qual) Beverley Leckie RN JP (Qual) is one of our members working on the front line at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) in Brisbane, where she is the Nurse Unit Manager on the transplant ward. Originally from Adelaide, she saw the light and made the trip up to Queensland twenty years ago and has not looked back.
Under normal circumstances she would process documents for about one client per week. Since our life styles have been curtailed by COVID-19 restrictions, Beverley is in greater demand and sees about one client per day. She didn’t have to make many concessions about providing her services as good hand hygiene and infection control is just part of daily life for health practitioners. Since qualifying as a JP Beverley has become a very active member of the QJA Western Suburbs Branch where she is the Professional Development Officer. Each month Beverley researches topics of interest, organises slide shows, quizzes, multiple choice questionnaires, and refresher sessions. She says she enjoys the benefits of branch participation, meeting likeminded people and learning from the experience of others. Of her involvement with the QJA Beverley says “I see the benefits of QJA membership in such a positive light. It provides so much information and resources on the website to keep me up to date with JP practice. It is a great networking tool and I get a lot out of our monthly branch meetings. I am also pleased to hear about the progress on the accreditation program and fully support the idea of introducing requirement for ongoing continuous professional development (CDP) points. I think this will raise the status of QJA members and give the public confidence that QJA members provide a quality service.’ Caring is part of Beverley’s DNA. She is concerned about her JP colleagues, in particular, those who are retired, perhaps live alone, and have temporarily lost the opportunity to socialise through their community service. Perhaps ‘socialising electronically’ with QJA members via ‘Zoom’, ‘Team’ or ‘Skype’ can help to fill the gap.
Despite being a member of a dedicated profession that gives enormous comfort to the community, Beverley felt that she would like to do some volunteer work. Given the hours and shift work attached to a nursing career Beverley was on the lookout for a volunteer role that she could fit in to her busy schedule. As a Nurse Unit Manager organising, managing and processing paperwork is a major part of her job so becoming a JP (Qual) seemed like the obvious answer. She undertook the QJA online training course under the tutelage of QJA Trainer and former staff member Cindy Revell, and was appointed as a JP (Qual) in March 2017. Beverley participated in a 10-week mentoring program through the JPs in the Community Program, at her local shopping centre and continues to volunteer there on a monthly basis. However, most of her justice services are provided to her colleagues at the PAH where she is one of a number of JPs listed on PAH’s internal website. When asked about the services she provides she said ‘health professionals are not often in a position where they can pop out at lunch time to find a JP, so having someone on site is really appreciated. Much of the witnessing I do is work related such as certifying ID and other documents for the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and witnessing statutory declarations.
TECHNICAL NEWS
Some of you may have participated in the Department of Justice and Attorney General webinar on The Human Rights Act 2019. The key messages are outlined below. Further details can be found at www.justice.qld.gov.au Key messages: • The Human Rights Act 2019 creates a decision-making framework that protects the human rights of individuals when they interact with the Queensland Government. • When you provide services to the community as a JP, you must consider how the human rights of individuals are affected by your actions or decisions. • There are no personal charges or fines for JPs who make decisions that aren’t compatible with human rights. However, there may be consequences for the people trying to access services provided by JPs. For example, if a decision to issue a search warrant is incompatible with human rights, a court could say the evidence is inadmissible. Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
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TECHNICAL NEWS New legislation As a consequence of the social distancing restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessing of documents in some cases has become quite challenging. In particular, as older people are more vulnerable to this disease, it has made completing and or amending estate planning documents, such as wills, enduring powers of attorney and advance health directives, much more problematic. In response to calls for change, the Queensland Government has enacted legislation which will help address some of these hurdles. The Justice and Other Legislation (COVID19 Emergency Response) Amendment Act 2020, and The Justice Legislation (COVID-19 Emergency Response—Wills and Enduring Documents) Regulation 2020, make provisions for witnessing wills and enduring documents via an audio-visual link. This only applies in specific circumstances as outlined in the regulation. The Department of Justice and Attorney General is considering the regulations, and recently issued an explanatory email. No changes should be made to current witnessing practices until further advice. The legislation and regulations can be accessed here: www.legislation.qld.gov.au In addition, The Chief Justice of Queensland, has issued a Practice Direction which is pertinent to witnessing wills via audio-visual technology.
The Practice Direction empowers a Registrar of the Court to dispense with existing provisions that require the witnesses to in the physical presence of a testator when they sign their will. The Practice Direction only applies to wills that, have been executed between 1 March 2020 and 30 September 2020, been drafted by a solicitor, and meet all of the approved conditions contained in the Practice Direction.
Aged Care Royal Commission update The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has suspended all planned hearings, workshops and group consultations. The decision reflects the requirement for social distancing and the banning of non-essential gatherings. The deadline for submissions to the Royal Commission has been extended by two months to 30 June 2020 and there are several ways you can make a submission that don’t require having face to face contact with anyone. Submissions can be made to: Royal Commission GPO Box 1151, ADELAIDE SA 500 using the submission form which can be accessed at on the Commission’s website, or by calling 1800 960 711 At this stage, the due date for the Royal Commission’s Final Report remains 12 November 2020, however this may change as a result of the current restrictions.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE Due to the restrictions and uncertainty associated with the COVID -19 pandemic, the QJA Annual State Conference will be deferred until 2021 and will be held in conjunction with National Volunteers Week 2021
The new date for the conference is:
Saturday 15 May 2021 at
Mantra on View Surfers Paradise Further details will be forthcoming as the planning committee reshapes the program The QJA annual Awards will be also be deferred and held with the conference Closing date for Award nominations is 28th February 2021 The QJA Annual General Meeting will proceed in November 2020 AGM details will be published in the Spring edition of the QJA Journal
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VOLUME 17 • NUMBER 2 • SPRING 2020
ROLL OF HONOUR Members should note that the Roll of Honour recognises the length of Membership of the QJA. Members wishing to receive the official distinguished service certificate as a Justice of the Peace for the State of Queensland should contact their local State Member of Parliament. The Board wishes to acknowledge the long service given by the following Members.
60 Years QJA Membership
Bryan Menhinnitt
50 Years QJA Membership Graheme Kroll
Gerald Moses
John Peel
40 Years QJA Membership William Aitkenhead Stella Auchter
Jacob George Judith Gibson
Fay Leadbetter Stephen Mills
25 Years QJA Membership Valerie Barr Brian Byrne Dawn Chilcott Wayne Dossetto
Marina Fagg Christopher Hall Kym Hannant Paul Kelly
Maurice Kerrigan Foster Lee Wayne Milner Stanislaw Pipia
Jean Pye Maria Valena Darryl Youngberry
Welcome to New Members The following have joined the QJA since the last Journal: Gwenda Baker Erin Barillaro Peter Baxter Yoko Bell Julie Bell Laura Benesch Brian Bensley Glenys Bentley Penelope Booth Rodney Bovill Tania Brewer Peter Brewin Susan Britton Howard Broderick Annabel Buchanan Deanne Buenano Paul Cachia Carly Cambridge Shayne Campbell Samantha Campbell Sally Carkeet Pauline Carlton Jesse Chaplin Anh Thu Chau Peter Chow Michael Clancy Gregory Clark Russell Cooper Ben Corling Sarah Cove Tanya Crabb Benjamin Craig Debra Cremer Wendy Crombie Karla Crossley Kathleen Croucher
Chrissa Crutchley Samantha Curran Pamela Currie Rochelle Dalton Allyson Davey Paul Drescher Tracy Duffill-Wilson Benjamin Durance Naomi Dwyer Ann-Maree Dyer Temara Eparaima Heather Ferguson Maria Ferraz Fiona Fitzsimmons Ashley Fowke Haney Francis Greg Fredericksen Katherine Gado Praveen Gopinath Alexander Green Helen Greenslade Colby Grubb Danielle Hall Hugh Hartwig Nina Harvey Michael Hayes Rebecca Heaton Cindy Hetherington Glenn Hewitt Howard Hickey Sophie Hilber Denise Hof Josie Holland Ebony Hoppen Bruce Irvine Brenda Jang
Andrew Jesberg Lyn Johnson Cameron Johnston Brian Johnston Judith Jones Scharcona Jonson-Tomley Karen Kelly Britt Keough Vanessa Kerr Jacqueline Knight Gabrielle Kowitz Lynne Kroger Neil Laidlaw Tammy Lambert Cathryn Lane Kym Larkin Annette Laubreaux Brendan Lee Adam Lefkon Kira Lloyd-Jones Stevie Lopez Ian Macdonald Kylie Maher Timothy Maiden Bianca Marsham David Martin Daniel McCarthy Lara McDonald Robert McEwen Stewart McGettigan Jack McKenna Barbara McMullen Callum McWaters Gavin Melaney Edi Mian James Morris
Carla Mullenberg Russell Murr Nymphia Naik Tracey Norman Kathleen Novacsek Nardia Nowell Patrick O’Brien Robert Oldfield Wendy O’Neill Helen Overton Ravi Parekh Andrew Parker Thomas Peart Liana Pennisi Royston Perkins Kimberley Pettinger Katie Pilcher Alicia Power Jacobus Pretorius Siobhan Rafter Britt Ramage Kayla Randall Patricia Rays Melanie Richards Martin Ridge Belinda Robinson Jamie Rodd Philip Rogers L-Nishta Roncevich Tracey Rooney Suzzanne Roughley John Rousseau Sabiha Salsabil Michele Sanchez Joanne Sands Darren Sapwell
Maxwell Seymour Lena Simpson Jason Slingsby Neil Smith Christopher Smith Melanie Smith Shayne Smith Veronica Sommerfeld Harriet Spence Katrina Stathooles Gregory Strohfeldt Darryl Stubberfield Len Symss Jonita Tanuvasa Simone Telfer Karen Thiel Mary Thomasson Sharon Todd Krystle Tuppack Jennifer Underhill Correen Vandeventer Juan Pablo Villena Rojas Sonia Vitiello Christine Wallace Donna White Ivan White Jaime Wicks Dean Williams Jay Wilson Angela Winnett Declan Winterton Mark Wittich Lorena Wooderson Michael Zegenhagen
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
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Q&A (courtesy of the QJA Training & PD Committee) Q1 My job takes me interstate across the country quite a lot. Am I able to witness documents in other states of Australia?
This is to certify that this xxx-page document, each page of which I have numbered and signed, is a true copy of the original xxx-page document which I have sighted.
A1 You are a Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner for Declarations for the state of Queensland and the Commonwealth of Australia. This means you can witness Queensland documents or Commonwealth of Australia documents anywhere across the county and anywhere in the world.
Affix your seal and registration number, and sign and date it.
Q2 I have been approached by interstate visitors who want a document witnessed while holidaying in Queensland. The documents were not Queensland legal documents but legal for their southern state. What should I tell them in these situations? A2 As stated above in the answer to question 1, you are Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner for Declarations for the state of Queensland and the Commonwealth of Australia. You do not have any authority to witness documents for other States and Territories.
However, it is up to the receiving agency as to whether they will accept a document witnessed by a JP from another State. You should advise the client that you do not have the authorly for the relevant State, and warn the client that it will be at the discretion of the receiving agency as to whether the document is accepted or not.
The client must decide whether to proceed or not. While it is very common place for interstate agencies to accept the authority of Queensland Justices, you should not give an opinion about whether the document is likely to be accepted or not.
If the client agrees to proceed it is best practice to include the words:
‘JP (or C.Dec.) for and in the State of Queensland’ after your signature.
This will alert the receiving agency to determine the validity of the document.
Q3 What is the process for certifying a booklet as a true copy? Do I have to certify each and every page or is there an easier way? A3 Yes, each page should be certified. However, it is not necessary to individually date, sign and affix your seal to every page. Once you have sighted the original booklet and satisfied yourself that it is a true copy of the original booklet you can proceed to certify it in the following manner:
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Check that there are no alterations to the copy, paying particular attention to names, dates and reference numbers. If the pages of the booklet are not numbered, insert a page number at the bottom of each page. It is best practice to notate the numbering using the format page 1 of x page 2 of x and so on.
Q4 One of my clients was quite insistent that I place him under oath and use a Bible to witness a statutory declaration. I advised him that this was not the usual process and explained the difference between this document and an affidavit. As the client was quite forceful, I agreed to place him under oath and witnessed the document. Does this make any difference? A4 You are quite correct, Bibles are not required for statutory declarations as they are not sworn or affirmed. However, if a declarant wishes to swear a statutory declaration using a Bible you can accommodate their wishes. It does not invalidate the document. Q5 I often get asked by relatives to witness documents for them. Am I able to do so and under what circumstances should I decline? A5 While it is not illegal to witness documents for a family member or relative, it should be taken with extra caution in deciding whether to do so or not.
It would not be sensible to witness a document for a relative or a close friend if the matter should ever be contested in a court of law. This may place you in a difficult situation if you were to testify against your relative or close friend. This includes witnessing wills for close friends or relatives.
Q6 Is it illegal to witness a will for a family member? A6 While many JPs and C.Decs are asked to witness wills, it is not necessary for the testator to have their signature witnessed by a justice for the will to be valid. For the will to be valid two independent people, who are not beneficiaries, or not the spouses of beneficiaries, must be present when the testator signs the will. It is not wise to witness wills for relatives, even distant relatives, as claims could be made that you influenced the testator if the will is contested in the Supreme Court. Therefore, it is best to refrain from witnessing. You should also refrain if your spouse is a relative of the testator. Q7 I am looking for some advice on how to manage documents, such as affidavits, with attachments. How do I appropriately handle these attachments? I have seen receipts, quotes and even photographs. What is the correct process for witnessing these attachments? A7 Attachments, also known as annexures, or sometimes called exhibits, that accompany the main document (whether that main document is an affidavit or a statutory declaration) should be handled in the following way:
Each attachment should be numbered, it is customary to number them
Initial the bottom of each page.
Annexure A; Annexure B; Annexure C and so on.
On the last page endorse the copy with the following certification:
The purpose of the attachments is to support the information contained in the declaration or affidavit that
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VOLUME 17 • NUMBER 2 • SPRING 2020
Q&A (courtesy of the QJA Training & PD Committee) the client is stating. Each of the attachments should be referred to in the body of the statement being declared, sworn or affirmed. The statement should be annotated with ‘Refer to Annexure A; B; or C as each one is mentioned in the statement.
The page numbers on the annexures should be continuous. For example, if there are three (3) annexures of five (5) pages each, then the pages should be numbered from one (1) through to fifteen (15).
A cover sheet for the annexures should be included with the wording: The following 15 pages are the annexures marked A, B and C referred to in the affidavit of (insert deponent’s name) sworn/ affirmed before me (insert your name and designation).
This … day of … 2020. Then affix your seal.
Q8 I am sometimes asked to witness a document but are not allowed to read through it as the persons presenting it says it is very private. Do I refuse to witness it under these circumstances? A8 Under these circumstances, you could advise the client that you are not interested in the content of the document, but only that it is correctly done in the correct fashion. If the client continues to refuse to allow you to read through the document then you can witness it by writing the words against your signature ‘Signature only witnessed, contents not disclosed’
A11 If making an oath or affirmation is a legal requirement then you are not able to proceed and should decline to witness the document. Q12 When is the best time to write information into the log, before or after witnessing? A12 It is preferable to record information within your log prior to witnessing. It is helpful to see the identification document, for example driver licence or passport and record the name immediately so that you are confident of correct spelling. If needing to record additional comments after you have provided your service it is best to do so as soon as practical. Q13 What is the correct procedure for witnessing an affidavit for a non-English speaking deponent who needs an interpreter? A13 When an interpreter is required, it is best practice to engage an accredited independent interpreter. However, many deponents rely on friends or family to assist with witnessing documents and do not wish to pay for an interpreter.
When approached to witness a document through an interpreter you must establish that the interpreter understands English and the language of the deponent. Once this is established the deponent and the interpreter should be placed under oath or affirmation before proceeding. The interpreter must swear or affirm that they understand the language of the deponent, that they understand English, that they are able to interpret between the deponent and the witness, and that they will provide a faithful translation.
After this the document can be witnessed using the usual procedures, albeit the discussions will take place with the interpreter.
Before affixing your seal and signing the affidavit of the non-English speaking deponent, you should include a statement in the Jurat, confirming that the contents of the affidavit have been interpreted to the witness.
The interpreter should annex an affidavit to the deponent’s affidavit stating:
Q9 What are the key points I look for when checking an application for divorce prior to witnessing? A9 Many divorce applications are completed and filed online these days, so the Justice is likely to be asked to witness the first page of the application which the client will have printed out when making their submission to the court. The client is being asked to swear/affirm that the content of the online submission is true and correct. You should check that the names of both the husband and wife have been provided. Where the client has printed out the whole submission you can check that any questions that cannot be answered in the document are marked ‘not known’ and that the date of separation is at least 12 months. The husband and wife are not required to sign the application at the same time in front of the same Justice and can sign separately. Q10 Is it a requirement that all attorneys are present when an enduring power of attorney (EPA) is being signed by the principal? A10 No. It is not recommended that the attorney or attorneys be present when the principal is signing an EPA. After the principal has signed the EPA the attorney or attorneys sign to say they accept the power as described in the document. The attorney or attorneys should not sign the acceptance section prior to the principal as this may invalidate the EPA. Further, where there is more than one attorney, they do not have to sign on the same date. Q11 What if a person refuses to swear an oath or make an affirmation when it is required for them to do so? What should I do under these circumstances?
I understand the English language and (deponent’s language) which is the language of the deponent.
I truly interpreted the content of the affidavit of (deponent’s name) before he/she swore or affirmed the affidavit, to the best of my knowledge and skill.
(Deponent’s name) appeared to me to understand the content of the affidavit and the oath or affirmation as well as the consequences and penalties for making a false statement. When making an entry in your logbook you should include details about the interpreter including their name, whether they are an accredited interpreter, family member or friend, the language used, and whether they swore or affirmed the oath. Thank you to Chris Lancaster & his team for this Q&A. Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
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REGIONAL ROUNDUP Many branches have struggled to keep members engaged and continue with activities during these uncertain times where gatherings are restricted. But some branches have embraced 21st century technology and soldiered on. Many have taken up the free Zoom option for a 40-minute meeting and found this time frame quite adequate.
Caboolture Branch Secretary Sara Gault found that holding meetings via Zoom turned out to be ideal for Caboolture members. At the last branch meeting 18 numbers ‘Zoomed’ in and discussed, among other things, how to deliver COVID safe JP services. For the foreseeable future meetings will continue to be held via Zoom, and, may include the AGM, which is scheduled to be held in August. Like many other branches, the Caboolture branch had to postpone workshops and other community engagement, but these activities will be up and running again when it is safe to do so. Sara says the Caboolture members are keen to return to their community signing duties and that she has purchased a safety screen to protect the volunteers at her local signing site.
Hornibrook Branch HORNIBROOK BRANCH SECRETARY WANTED The award-winning Branch of the Year 2019 is looking for a branch secretary. Contact Bev Nicholls on 0416 342 488 for details. Bev Nicholls, who is carrying the dual roles of Branch Chair and Secretary, has been very busy keeping engaged with her branch colleagues. She has done some ringing around to say a personal ‘hi’ to quite a few members. Bev says “many of our members live alone and rely on the friendship of fellow QJA members for social interaction” Bev has also sent out branch newsletters and organised a branch meeting via Zoom with mixed success. The nine members who attended hoped to hear from a local Police officer from the Domestic Violence Unit, however, she was not able to proceed as the QPS has technology restrictions and does not enable meetings via Zoom.
Gold Coast Branch Gold Coast Executive committee held a couple of practice runs with ‘Zoom’ before inviting the branch members to participate. Thirteen members linked in at the regular meeting date and time. Despite some minor technical glitches initially, the meeting settled in to a good interactive event. Members commented that this is the way of the future and that we will get better at holding electronic meetings as we progress. The Branch will hold the next meeting on 9 June via Zoom. 14
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
To keep engaged with members a newsletter has been distributed as well as short and simple ‘quick tips’ which are delivered to members on a fortnightly basis.
Bundaberg Branch Bundaberg branch has found that while signing centres are closed, the general public have been able to access JP services via a variety of local community Facebook pages. Clients are advised that they can put in a request through a private message and the branch will help to find a JP willing to provide the service. The branch will resume regular meetings and activities when it is safe to do so.
Mackay Branch Mackay Branch executive committee had a successful Zoom meeting to discuss the cancellation of their refresher session and pre-appointment training, which will be rescheduled when normality returns. The committee is comfortable with this technology and has used it before so discussion turned to using Zoom for a general meeting. However, no decision was made about this as they are aware that some of the older members may find it challenging to adapt to the technology or not have the appropriate devices to participate. Food for thought.
Western Suburbs Branch Another Zoomer is Western Suburbs branch executive. Once connection was established a great interactive meeting followed. They are cautiously thinking about extending it to accommodate a branch meeting but are still in the wait and see phase. Keeping members engaged via a monthly newsletter which includes a ‘member spot’ where an individual member shares a little be about themselves. Feedback shows these ‘member spots’ have proved to be very popular with branch members who keenly await the next edition.
Brisbane South – Farewell There is a changing of the guard in Brisbane South Branch. Secretary Di Rippon, is heading back to her home town of Canberra after 16 years living in Brisbane’s southern suburbs. Di became the branch secretary in 2016 and has been one of the driving forces behind running such a successful branch. Di has been instrumental in organising community engagement activities as well as organising guest speakers and other professional development activities for branch members. Of her time as secretary, Di says “I have really enjoyed this role and will miss the friends and colleagues I have met along the way.” Di was a member of the 2018 Centennial Year Conference Planning Committee with special responsibility for organising
VOLUME 17 • NUMBER 2 • SPRING 2020 the conference venue volunteers. The QJA and Brisbane South Branch would like to thank Di for her service to the organisation, to her branch colleagues and to the local community. Good luck with your future endeavours. Myrna Stephens will take up the role of branch secretary until elections are held at the 2020 AGM.
Featured Branch - Pine Rivers On Saturday 7 March around 40 QJA members and guests joined the Hon. Yvette D’Ath (Attorney General for Queensland) at the Eatons Hill Community Church hall in celebrating our ‘new look’ and bright future under a new name (formerly South Pine Branch) and with our new Committee. The Attorney General (pictured) gave an inspirational address including many stories from her own volunteering experience, reinforcing the pivotal roles of JPs and C.Decs in the Justice system and the community in Queensland and the tremendous value of community service in our busy lives. The Attorney General also acknowledged two of our original members John Sheraton and John Whitlock who between them have over 100 years of service, and QJA membership, along with one of our younger members, Ben Willson. Other special guests included Mike Charlton (Acting Lord Mayor, Moreton Bay Regional Council), Damian Mealey (Registrar and Manager JP Branch, Department of Justice and Attorney General), John Carpendale (QJA President) Graeme Moorhouse (QJA Vice President), and Wendy La Macchia (QJA Registrar).
Brian Carpenter, Phyllis Hall and John Sheraton, all of whom are still practicing today, played an important role in the development of the Group. Phyllis Hall ran a variety of training courses for prospective JPs and C.Decs which encouraged and developed new members to the Group. Councillors of Pine Rivers Shire Council (now Moreton Bay Regional Council) Brian Battersby and Mike Charlton provided the group with funds to cover administration costs for several years. Initially community JP Services were conducted for 2 hours on Saturday afternoons in the Real Estate office of Peter Campbell. In 2005 Peter Campbell approached the Centro Group in Albany Creek with an offer to establish of a public signing site. This proved very successful as services were provided to 30 to 40 clients on Thursday evenings. Later, in 2008, with the assistance of Greg Thompson (Community engagement Officer DJAG) the service was relocated to the Albany Creek Library.
Warwick King JP (Qual) pictured here with our very first client at the Albany Creek Library. This venue provided a more private, personal and confidential environment for our clients. This has been a successful community service ever since, with our sincere thanks to the Library staff for their kind and supportive assistance over this time. In 2013, Peter Campbell OAM was appointed Patron of the South Pine Justices Group in recognition of his exemplary services to the group. In 2016 the branch delivered a refresher course for JPs and C.Decs which was held at the Community Church at Eatons Hill and attracted approximately 50 participants.
Bev Nicholls (Hornibrook Branch Chair), Wendy La Macchia, Don Scott & Ben Willson The Branch is adjacent to QJA Brisbane North, QJA Hornibrook in the east and QJA Caboolture to the north. Historically, the branch can be traced back to 4 November 2004. An initiative by Peter Campbell OAM of Albany Creek, who unfortunately has since passed away. The South Pine Justices Group was set up to provide witnessing services directly to the South Pine District community. The Branch gratefully received a QJA seed funding of $200 grant to help set up. Interest in the group was stimulated by advertising in the local paper seeking Justices with mutual community interests.
Not only was it a success with members, it also proved to be a great fund-raiser for the branch. The Branch now supports a signing site at the Warner Shopping Centre on Monday mornings. Members recognised that the Branch covered a greater area than just South Pine so in June 2019 the Branch voted for a name change to better reflect the expanded area of coverage. QJA Pine Rivers Branch came into being in August 2019. The new 2019/20 Pine Rivers Branch Committee is: David Orr (Chairperson), Peta Doyle (Treasurer), Kyra Griffiths (Secretary) and committee members Neil Doyle, Gary Midgley, Gordon Farmer, Tam Malley, and Tony Mainstone. In conclusion ‘We are proud of our history, grateful to all those who helped us on the journey so far and excited by the plans and opportunities we hope to further raise QJA’s profile in our local community’. Submitted by David Orr. Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
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REGIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION BEAUDESERT CONTACT GROUP Stephen Ryan beaudesert@qja.com.au Telephone: 0408 035 378
FOREST LAKE CONTACT GROUP Reg Connelly forestlake@qja.com.au Telephone: 0403 167 121
LOCKYER BRANCH Sharon Munro lockyer@qja.com.au Telephone: 0499 944 376
ROSEDALE CONTACT GROUP Jonathan Brown rosedale@qja.com.auTelephone: 0408 068 169
BOWEN CONTACT GROUP Anne Maree Bligh bowen@qja.com.au Telephone: 0417 735 990
GLADSTONE BRANCH Ruth Waite gladstone@qja.com.au Telephone: 0438 741 318
LOGAN BRANCH Christine Gore logan@qja.com.au Telephone: 0419 029 467
ROSEWOOD CONTACT GROUP Alan Broughton rosewood@qja.com.au Telephone: 0468 802 689
BRISBANE NORTH BRANCH Judith McGarry brisbanenorth@qja.com.au Telephone: 0411 343 078
GOLD COAST BRANCH Joan Kennedy goldcoast@qja.com.au Telephone: 0477 510 517
MACKAY BRANCH Maria Valena mackay@qja.com.au Telephone: 0422 636 374
SOUTH BURNETT BRANCH Ruth Rimes southburnett@qja.com.au Telephone: 0457 681 159
BRISBANE SOUTH BRANCH TBA brisbanesouth@qja.com.au Telephone: TBA
GREATER SPRINGFIELD BRANCH Leanne Kendall greaterspringfield@qja.com.au Telephone: 0417 706 549
MAREEBA BRANCH Ann Vains mareeba@qja.com.au Telephone: 0419 719 616
TIN CAN BAY CONTACT GROUP TBA tincanbay@qja.com.au Telephone: TBA
BUNDABERG BRANCH Debra Faint bundaberg@qja.com.au Telephone: 0415 678 343
GYMPIE BRANCH Tom Bushell gympie@qja.com.au Telephone: 0402 132 679
MAROOCHYDORE BRANCH Eva Marie Seeto maroochydore@qja.com.au Telephone: 0417 635 0788
TOOWOOMBA BRANCH Jeni Rengers toowoomba@qja.com.au Telephone: 0408 771 786
CABOOLTURE BRANCH Sara Gault caboolture@qja.com.au Telephone: 0439 866 682
HERVEY BAY BRANCH Jo Burnham herveybay@qja.com.au Telephone: 0400 470 936
MARYBOROUGH BRANCH Andrew Baker maryborough@qja.com.au Telephone: 0422 730 890
TOWNSVILLE BRANCH Tracey Cooper townsville@qja.com.au Telephone: 0423 695 855
CAIRNS SOUTH CONTACT GROUP Ralph Powell cairnssouth@qja.com.au Telephone: 0434 510 333
HORNIBROOK BRANCH Bev Nicholls hornibrook@qja.com.au Telephone: 0416 342 488
NOOSA BRANCH Margaret Lewins noosa@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 3150 0195
WESTERN SUBURBS BRANCH Sasha Raj westernsubs@qja.com.au Telephone: 0417 788 651
CALOUNDRA BRANCH Claire Brown caloundra@qja.com.au Telephone: 0408 827 323
HOWARD CONTACT GROUP TBA howard@qja.com.au Telephone: TBA
REDLAND CITY BRANCH TBA redlandcity@qja.com.au Telephone: TBA
WYNNUM MANLY BRANCH Amanda Hilhorst wynnummanly@qja.com.au Telephone:0423 028 160
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS BRANCH TBA centralhighlands@qja.com.au Telephone: TBA
IPSWICH BRANCH Jeanette Glasgow ipswich@qja.com.au Telephone: 0400 291 719
ROCKHAMPTON BRANCH Lawrence Fox rockhampton@qja.com.au Telephone: 0448 439 999
ESK CONTACT GROUP Joesph Brischetto esk@qja.com.au Telephone: 0417 198 053
KILCOY CONTACT GROUP Kay Jackson kilcoy@qja.com.au Telephone: 07 5424 2461
ROMA CONTACT GROUP Brian O’Rourke roma@qja.com.au Telephone: 0437 557 768
Branches conduct regular meetings (at least five per year), conduct training, operate signing facilities, have defined revenue streams and a formalised structure. Contact groups meet on an “as required basis” and generally exist to operate signing facilities and to deal with other local issues. For details of what is happening in your local area, including professional development opportunities, please feel free to phone any of the numbers above and your local contact will be happy to assist.
INTERSTATE CONTACT INFORMATION NSW
NT
SA
VIC
Lismore Paul Beckey lismore@qja.com.au 0428 560 467
TAS
Adelaide Hills Fred Braun adelaide.hls@qja.com.au (08) 8389 9462
Melbourne (Langwarrin) Robert Bolch melbourne.1@qja.com.au 0412 155 634
Victor Harbor Timothy Barclay victor.harbor@qja.com.au 0403 134 290
Melbourne (Glen Waverley) Simon Bullimore melbourne.2@qja.com.au 0419 756 780
Southern Riverina Elizabeth Adam south.riverina@qja.com.au 0427 617 589
Jabiru Karen Beare nt@qja.com.au 0417 891 226 Deloraine Annette Powell deloraine@qja.com.au 0427 158 648
Sydney (Inner West) Jim Elmore sydney.1@qja.com.au 0408 870 721 Wollongong Peter Pioro wollongong@qja.com.au 0419 638 121
Hobart Barrie Bell hobart@qja.com.au 0419 395 796
Adelaide Noel J. Lindsay adelaide@qja.com.au 0407 507 773
Bendigo Richard Lancaster bendigo@qja.com.au 0407 345 472
INTERNATIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION Hong Kong Luca Ferrerio hong.kong@qja.com.au 16
New Zealand Brandan Hooper nz@qja.com.au
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
