RVAHJ 

Central Gippsland Branch

  Honour Board

             CENTRAL GIPPSLAND BRANCH 

ROYAL VICTORIAN ASSOCIATION OF HONORARY JUSTICES

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT FOR 2002—2003        

As the curtain closes on my term as chairman, its time for a change to have fresh face with new idea’s and jokes. As I have had an enjoyable seven years as chairman.

Robena and I have made many good friends and, made most welcome by every one whom we have met on the journey in the justices association.

One has not always agreed with some actions the association has taken, though I respected the directions the majority wanted. Its not often according to the State President that we have two annual meetings in one year, as I explained to him if we had a copy of the state rules, and public holidays that this might not of happened. It just proves how flexible the country people are.

2002-03 year was a busy one for the group, training and visits to Melbourne town. Which I must say thank you for all those people who supported these functions.

Congratulations to Donald Ferguson for receiving the Certificate of Merit well done, and being my Secretary and friend. How could one forget the efforts of our Treasure Allan for a great job and try to help raise our bank balance, Also Kent for filling in at the training session and other duties that I asked him to-do.

Mark D’Alterio who became our liaison officer or the go between man at state level, Mark also looks after South Gippsland branch, as well as the roster for the Bail Justices in Central Gippsland. Mark and I have become very good friends though we have some good debates about the role the Honorary Justices should play in the community. To you Mark a job well done I hope you are elected to the state board, as you have much to offer.

The last week we all were saddened to learn of the passing of our esteemed member Leslie Galloway, our prayers and thoughts go to his family

All our dinners where well attended the guest speakers where of high calibre, even if the Sheriff did not make our last annual meeting. The highlight for myself and many others was the night Willie Pepper was our host at the Koori centre where we learned the way the Kooris fitted in to the modern way of life.

We set a benchmark by having our wives and partners attending at dinner meetings, this was highlighted at the opening of the associations new head quarters at Elwood in February this year. These outings have given them a better understanding of the roll of a Justice of the peaces roll in the community.

In closing let me say thank you for the support and friend ship you all have given to Robena and myself.

I leave you all with this thought.

“He who choose his own path needs no map”

Take Care

Jim

Jim HOOD J.P. 

PRESIDENTS ANNUAL REPORT 2001/02

CENTRAL GIPPSLAND GROUP

Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices

The year has been a year of great activity by our group though the sudden death of Rex Hibbert placed a shadow on us all, his family is gradually coming to terms with the loss of father and husband and friend.

Training was held at Heritage Park and conducted by the head office duo Taig and King, which put the professional touch to the position of a JP.

There was a group of JP traversed to Camberwell for the annual meeting of the RVAHJ was quite interesting to say the least.

Our combined dinner with South Gippsland JP’s association to hear Magistrate Mr Phillips talk on family court roll and problems.

Later in the year State President Keith Frampton presented our association with our charter, which was well received by all. Our speakers on that evening, were from Human Services which some of the Bail Justices have battles with.

Our meetings at Warragul, Moe, Morwell, Traralgon were well supported though I have a concern that those persons that hold the titles of JP and Bail Justice are the ones that miss out on updating their skills and keeping abreast of updates to the act of Bail Justice and documents JPs. Referring to those who show no interest in attending meetings or training.

My thanks to Donald for his work as secretary, Alan as the Treasury, along with Mark and his work on bail rosters, plus the extra he is asked to do for HQ at Camberwell. A special thanks to Laurie for his support to our group, also thanks to Leo and Keith.

This year has seen a first a president’s day convened by Gary Tragardh at his hometown Yarra Junction I gleaned from this gathering that we are a benchmark for other groups to strive to reach their goals.

In closing thank you for the friendship you have all extended to Robena and I and for your continued support to the Central Gippsland Group of the Association.

                                                          Take Care

                                                          JIM HOOD J.P.

  “They’re a Weird Mob”