History of The Northern NSW Federation of Justices of the Peace Inc
Celebrating 61 years of service to the people of NSW in 2009
Early in 1947, Mr Charles K Thompson, a sub editor of the evening newspaper 'The Newcastle Sun' joined the Sydney based NSW Justices and Honorary Magistrates Association Ltd. In June that same year he saw the need to form a branch for Justices of the Peace in the Newcastle area.
On 29 July 1947 an article had been placed in the 'Sun' asking any interested Justices of the Peace to attended the proposed meeting. By the middle of August about 90 people had responded to local advertisements and a meeting was held on 3 September 1947 in the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce rooms with 50 people in attendance. It was resolved that a branch would be formed to cover the Greater Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Lower Hunter, Bolwarra and Kearsley areas.
After a few short months it was obvious that the Sydney based group would not support the branch in Newcastle, either financially or practically. Therefore, it was decided at the December meeting, that the Newcastle members would disassociate themselves from the Sydney based group 'en masse' and form their own association.
Over the Christmas break a group of members worked hard at formulating the appropriate rules and constitution, suggestions for a badge and new name for the association.
On January 14, 1948 The Northern NSW Federation of Justices of the Peace was formed with 91 members. Mr Charles K Thompson was elected President and remained in that position until his death in 1980.
During the 59 years the Federation has been in existence, other branches have formed. The current branches are:
Kurri / Cessnock (originally formed in March 1948 and reformed in January 1965);
Gloucester (formed in November 2000);
Maitland (originally formed in October 1948 and reformed January 1961);
Muswellbrook and Districts (formed in July 2004);
Newcastle (Inaugural Headquarters Branch 1948 and reformed as an independent branch in February 1997);
Port Stephens (formed in February 1978);
Singleton (formed in February 2002);
Tamworth (formed in 1981);
Westlakes (originally Toronto Branch formed in 1948 and reformed as Westlakes in July 1987);
Successful promotional campaigns have been held in recent years, which has seen the establishment of three more branches:
South-East Lakes [South-Eastern Lake Macquarie] (formed in March 2005);
Doyalson Districts (formed in November 2005);
Raymond Terrace Branch (formed in November 2006)
A Country Connection unit has also been established to cater for the needs of Justices outside these areas and for foundling branches.
The Northern NSW Federation of Justices of the Peace become incorporated in 1997 and is a non-profit organisation. Due to the work and dedication of the Federation Council, the administrative body of the Federation, the financial situation of the Federation is sound and there has not been an increase in the membership fees since becoming Incorporated.
Our main aim is to educate Justices of the Peace, to enable them to become more proficient in their duties. The branches meet once a month, on various nights of the week, from February until December, with Guest Speakers on occasions and mini tutorial sessions.
The Federation also has prepared a 'Tutorial package' for its members to use as individuals or as a group at meetings. These include information or knowledge based units on aspects of the law, i.e. history, the law today, compliance with the law, et; Statutory Declaration, Affidavits and Annexures; as well as 'Discussion Papers' on the role of the JP, ethics, etc.
The branches have complete autonomy to conduct their own affairs, within the scope of the Constitution, maintaining contact through the Federation Council, which is the governing body of the Federation.
Our members are kept up to date with changes to the laws and our role in the community, branch events and personal news through our monthly newsletter the Justices’ Bulletin.
Federation Presidents:
Mr Charles Keith Thompson BEM JP 1947 - 1980 (Deceased) Newcastle Branch
Dr Joan Redshaw MB BSc (Hons) DCH JP 1980 - 1985 (Deceased) Newcastle Branch
Mr Allan William Thomas Williams JP1986 - 1988 (Deceased) Newcastle Branch
Mr Neville John Wratten JP 1989 - 1993 (Life member) Newcastle Branch
Mr George Valentine Smith OAM JP 1994 - 1995 (Deceased) Kurri Cessnock Branch
Mrs Christine Joy Cordingley JP 1996 - 1998 (Life Member) Westlakes Branch
Mr Ronald G Hartmann JP 1999 - present time (Life Member) Tamworth Branch
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The Northern NSW Federation of Justices of the Peace Inc 2006