Warrnambool Justice of the Peace John Maddock retires after 35 years

John Maddock recently announced his retirement after 35 years as an honorary justice volunteer, three decades of which was spent in Warrnambool after making the move from Melbourne's north-east.

A Justice of the Peace (JP), Mr Maddock provided document witnessing and certification services to the community.

He also volunteered as a bail justice, primarily working outside business hours and on weekends to conduct hearings in relation to applications for bail or remand.

Mr Maddock said he was often called out in the middle of the night.

"I remember one young man who required his passport really quickly so at 11pm he contacted me at home and I was able to certify his documents which allowed him to board the flight the next day," he said.

"I'd often get called out at weekends to make decisions on whether an alleged offender should be released with or without (bail) conditions or released from custody at the police station."

Mr Maddock said his work as an honorary justice volunteer was interesting and a service to his community.

"I've been truly honoured to have served my community both in Lilydale and in Warrnambool," he said.

"I've really liked doing it and I would urge anyone who is interested in a rewarding and stimulating work to make contact with the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices in Melbourne."

Warrnambool JPs are based in an office at the city's Koroit Street police station from 10am to 12pm Monday to Friday.

Mr Maddock said some of that service had stopped during the coronavirus pandemic but the association was always looking for new volunteers.

"There is definitely a need for more," he said.

Mr Maddock said it was a difficult decision to retire but he hoped to get back on the golf green and would continue as a volunteer goal umpire for the Warrnambool and District Umpires Association.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: