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Thinking about becoming a JP?

What are the benefits of Aboriginal JPs for mob? Cultural understanding, connection and trust, support and guidance, and accessibility

If you’re someone who wants to support your community, no matter where you’re located, becoming a JP could be a great way to help. JPs are trusted volunteers who assist with important paperwork like witnessing signatures and certifying documents.

Having more Aboriginal JPs means people can access support that’s local, culturally respectful, and trusted by community.


  • "It's one of the most rewarding volunteer programs that's available and it gives you a sense of purpose in life. "

    It's a rewarding volunteer program

    "It's one of the most rewarding volunteer programs that's available and it gives you a sense of purpose in life. "

    Transcript

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    Becoming a JP was for me to give back to

    community and give back to mob and to

     

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    help wherever I can. I've been lucky in

    the role that I'm in now with TAFE New

     

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    South Wales that I can be a JP alongside

    my role and I can see students thrive

     

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    and I can help them get there by, you

    know, certifying documents. It's not

     

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    just a quick tick and flick of a box.

    If they're telling you a story, because

     

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    some of these situations, they're not the

    best situation that they're going

     

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    through at the time. So they do need

    that support network and being that JP

     

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    and community for mob is yeah supporting

    and guiding as well. It's one of the

     

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    most rewarding volunteer programs that's

    available and it gives you a sense of

     

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    purpose in life. It makes you feel like

    you're giving back and you're actually

     

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    supporting the people that's in your

    community.

Who can become a JP in NSW?

To be eligible to apply, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older
  •  Be nominated by a NSW Member of Parliament (MP)
  • Be an Australian citizen, or a person entitled to vote in NSW
  • Be considered a fit and proper person
  • Not be an undischarged bankrupt
  • You can read more about the requirements in the Guidelines on the appointment of Justices of the Peace.

 

JPs at Mt Druitt event

Why Aboriginal JPs are important

Aboriginal JPs bring valuable cultural knowledge and lived experience to the role. Whether it’s helping someone with housing paperwork, supporting Elders with health forms, or being there when community members are going through tough times, having someone they trust makes a difference.

The JP role is about being there for community when it matters most.

Interested? Here’s where to start

If you're ready to take the next step or want to learn more, head to the Become a Justice of the Peace page.

There’s also support available if you need help with the application process, especially if you're applying from a regional or remote community.

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