Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, recently presented Balgal Beach resident, Ken Turner, with a certificate from the Government of Queensland in recognition of 25 years of volunteer service to the community as a Justice of the Peace.

Mr Cripps said Mr Turner had first been appointed in 1979 and had actually served as one of a network of volunteer JP’s across the State for 36 years, for which the Government of Queensland was very grateful.

“When I visited Ken last month to present his certificate to him in person, I asked him why he had become a JP and he indicated that it was through a desire to provide a service to the local community” said Mr Cripps.

“This answer was no surprise to me, as Ken Turner has always been and still is a strong contributor to his community through a range of local organisations and groups, as a former State MP and Thuringowa City Councillor” he said.

Mr Cripps congratulated Mr Turner and thanked him for his many years of voluntary service as a Justice of the Peace, a role that often goes unnoticed in the community but is highly valued by those who need assistance and advice.