Toowoomba Volunteers Recognised for Their 40 and 50 Years’ Service

Image Supplied:   Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki with JPs (from left) Alan St John, Alan Mitchell and Philip Martin celebrating their respective 40 years’, 51 years’ and 52 years’ service.

Three Toowoomba men with a passion for giving back to their community have been recognised for their services as Justices of the Peace.

Alan Mitchell has notched up 51 years’ service, Philip Martin has 52 years’ service and Alan St John has been recognised for his 40 years’ service.

Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki MP hosted a morning tea to thank the JPs and presented them with their service certificates.

“They have not only dedicated 40 to 50 years to being JPs but also many more years to various community services,” Mr Janetzki said.

“I congratulate all three gentlemen for the vital role they play in our community,” he said.

Mr Mitchell became a JP out of necessity while he worked as a banker.

“My record was witnessing 168 documents in one day,” Mr Mitchell said.

“You meet some wonderful people and it has been good fun helping to make someone’s vision a reality,” he said.

Mr Mitchell raised more than $6 million over the 23 years he was a P&C school treasurer.

Mr St John also became a JP during his job as a Westpac banker for 25 years.

“You meet a lot of different people – including bikies who have a lot of stat decs to be signed,” Mr St John said.

“I also have been volunteering at St Vincent’s Hospital for 10 years,” he said. 

Philip Martin also enjoys giving back to the community in his role as a JP.

Mr Martin and his wife Marjorie enjoy gardening and have spent decades working on their The Chronicle Exhibition Garden at Middle Ridge.