NELSON Bay resident Garry Steel is calling out for a new generation to join the prestigious role of being a Justice of the Peace in the Port Stephens and Myall Coast communities.

Garry is the President of the Port Stephens Zone of the Northern NSW JP Federation.

Mr Steel moved to Nelson Bay from Newcastle more than eleven years ago and became a Justice of the Peace in order to give back to the local community.

Justices of the Peace (JPs) are volunteers appointed by the Governor of New South Wales.

The primary role of a JP is to witness a person making a statutory declaration or affidavit, and to certify copies of original documents.

JPs come from all sections of the community and are available across NSW.

“There is currently a shortage of JP’s in the Port Stephens and Myall region,” Mr Steel told News Of The Area.

“We have an ageing population amongst the majority who hold the office of Justice of the Peace, and it is time to ask the younger generation to step up and answer the call,” Garry Steel said.

Charter Hall Salamander Bay Shopping Centre, the Amcal Chemist Salamander Bay and the Nelson Bay Discount Drug Store currently refer customers who need a JP to Mr Steel.

Locating your local JP is as easy as a google search in your area, where your local JPs will be listed.

The position of JP is purely a voluntary position but the younger generation should not underestimate the respect and value the position holds.

For example, the title of Justice of the Peace on a young person’s resume gives them great credibility and respect from a potential employer and amongst the community.

“I highly recommend members of the community to answer the call to be a part of a new generation of JPs,” Garry Steel said.

Mr Steel offers his service and time as a Justice of the Peace voluntarily at local shopping centres and at All Saints Anglican Church, Nelson Bay on a regular basis.

To find out more information on becoming a Justice of the Peace please contact Mr Garry Steel on 0431606325.

By Jewell DRURY