THE Document Signing Centre at Shepparton Police Station was originated approximately 10 years ago by Irene Lia, Justice of the Peace (JP), and Terry Whitehead, Shepparton Police. Since then it has become widely known and is serviced by a group of dedicated JP who volunteer their time to deal with statutory declarations, affidavits and certification of a wide range of documents.
Coordinator of JP Signing Centre, Bruce Milne JP said last year JP volunteers dealt with 11,289 documents for the 3,379 members of the community.
“An endeavour is made to provide the service on week days (excluding public holidays) between the hours of 9am and 1pm, there are however a few unintended occasions due to illness or other reasons that the service will not be available.
“In order to provide and maintain the service there is a need for other Justices of the Peace to contribute their time to a very worthy and satisfying service to the community.
“The Oaths and Affirmations Act 2018 came into operation on the first of March this year. The purposes of the act are to modernise the law relating to oaths, affirmations, affidavits and statutory declarations; and, to establish a scheme for the certification of copies of documents.”
JP, Phame McCall said, “Sworn in as a JP in 2007, I work in the sign-in centre and enjoy serving the public in this role.
“I am following in my grandmother’s footsteps as she was a JP back in the 1940s in NSW.”
Sandra Davis, the youngest of the JPs has been in the role for two years and in that time has loved every minute.
Sandra said, “I love meeting people from all cultures who come to the centre for their requirements.
“I attended a learning seminar in February and am excited to be bringing back some changes that are set to be introduced in the coming months with statutory declarations and affidavits.”
The list of persons authorised to witness statutory declarations and sign documents has been considerably extended and now includes occupational therapist, chiropractor, physiotherapist, dentist, psychologist, midwife, nurse, optometrist, bailiff, registered minister of religion, school principal, sheriff, sheriffs officer, veterinary surgeon or teacher employed on a permanent full time basis at a school or tertiary education institution and many more. A complete list should be obtainable from the Honorary Justice Office, Melbourne.
For further details and enquiries, contact Bruce on 5822 2778 or email bruce.milne@outlook.com
