Portland resident Heather Fitzgerald has been recognised at NSW Parliament for 50 years of service to the community as a Justice of the Peace.
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"I felt so humbled," Ms Fitzgerald said.
The now 85-year-old first became a Justice of the Peace when she began working at the local real estate in Portland in 1969.
"I needed to be a Justice of the Peace (JP's) to work there, for people who made claims for discounts on rates, especially the pensioners," she said.
Over the years Ms Fitzgerald has helped a lot of people.
"I've never thought of not doing it, I just live quietly in Portland and people ring me up and I help them, but I take precautions if I don't know the person," she said.
It's good to have a skill to be able to help the people of the community.
- Heather Fitzgerald
Ms Fitzgerald said she had seen many changes over the years of how a JP worked.
"It used to be a simple signature, there is a lot more now, a bit more complicated, but it is a more responsible position now then it use to be," she said.
Ms Fitzgerald said she was surprised when the 50th anniversary came around.
"I'm quite happy and being able to help people has been incredible," she said.
Bathurst MP Paul Toole congratulated Ms Fitzgerald for her 50 years of service to the community.
"Heather is one of the longest-serving JPs in the state, who has donated countless hours to helping local people," Mr Toole said.
"Just about everyone needs a JP at some point in their life - such as when they buy a house or access their superannuation - and Heather has always been happy to lend a hand."
Heather is among more than 250 NSW JP's who are celebrating their Golden Jubilee of service.
Many of the JP's attended a recent ceremony at NSW Parliament where they were presented with a commemorative certificate.
"During the 50 years Heather has been witnessing documents and has also witnessed profound social changes and advances in technology," Mr Toole said.
"The way people find a JP is among the many things that has evolved, with people now more likely to search online than rely on word of mouth."
Mr Toole said the NSW online register of Justices of the Peace has been upgraded to make finding a local JP faster and more convenient than ever.
"The revamped system enables JP's to specify the dates and times they are available and what languages they speak," he said.
JP's act as independent witnesses to documents people need for a variety of purposes. Their main functions are to witness affidavits and statutory declarations, and they may also certify copies of original documents. JP's provide their services on a voluntary basis.
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