It has been six months since the first clients walked through the doors of the Victorian Pride Centre (VPC) seeking the services of a Justice of the Peace (JP).
The only community-based document signing centre (DSC) within a 10km radius of Melbourne’s CBD, this initiative provides an alternative to police stations or law courts.
After operating a three-month trial, the DSC@VPC was officially opened on 2 February, the morning of the 30th anniversary of Midsumma’s Pride March.
Six weeks later, DSC@VPC Coordinators Kathy Cooney JP and Dean Beck JP were presented with the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices Meritorious Service Award for the establishment and launch of the DSC@VPC and their service to the Pride and Victorian communities.
The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the Association in a significant way that exceeds normal service expectations and is widely recognized by their peers.
RVAHJ President Rodney Lavin JP FRVAHJ presented the awards, with the CEO of the Victorian Pride Centre, Paul Horwell, congratulating Kathy and Dean on their commitment and service to the LGBTIQA+ communities.
Every Saturday from 12 noon to 4 pm (excluding public holiday weekends), a roster of 15 JPs delivers free document witnessing, certification of identity documents, and the execution of necessary paperwork.
Anyone needing the trusted services of a JP can walk in with no appointment, knowing they are in a judgment-free, safe environment.
All DSC@VPC JPs have undergone specialized training in documents specific to the LGBTIQA+ communities, including complex birth, death, and marriage registry forms.
The DSC@VPC has serviced over 200 clients and signed more than 1,000 documents.
Located the Victorian Pride Centre is at 79-81 Fitzroy Street.
Picture: From left to right: Paul Horwell, CEO Victorian Pride Centre, Kathy Cooney JP, Dean Beck JP, and presenting the awards RVAHJ President, Rodney Lavin JP FRVAHJ. (Image: Dean Beck JP)
