SWAN Hill Justices of the Peace recently had a visit from a Director of the Royal Victorian Association of Honourary Justices, Colleen Woolley.
Ms Woolley was in town to speak to the justices about the various aspects of being a JP as well as to talk about her new book A History of Justices of Peace in Victoria.
She’s also written Arresting Women, a celebration of 100 years of women in Victoria Police, released in 2017.
“I’m here to talk to the local JPs about some of the things that we are required to do,” Ms Woolley said.
“Medical treatment decisions, power of attorney, affidavit there are all sorts of things that come up from time to time.
Also to talk to them about remote witnessing and what their role may be in relation to voluntary assisted dying.”
During her trip to Swan Hill she also had a chance to visit the JPs’ office at 345 Campbell Street and was extremely impressed with the facilities.
“It’s the only one like it in Victoria,” Ms Woolley said.
“A lot of JPs work from a little bit of counter in a police station or a table in a library that they’ve only got for a certain amount of time.
Others might have a little space in a neighbourhood house.
“They really are the envy of Victorian JPs and they have a fantastic setup. The people of Swan Hill should appreciate what they have got.”
The retired poilce sergeant has been a JP for the last 23 years.
“I love the JP work because of the opportunity to interact with the community,” she said.
“It’s fantastic to be able to help people when they really need it and it can be something as simple as witnessing a statutory declaration.
It is simple for us but monumental for them. The feelgood factor from that is absolutely priceless.”
