Why giving back never gets old: Ray’s story as a Justice of the Peace
Not all heroes wear robes. Some wear name badges and carry a stamp and pen.
For nearly six decades, Raymond Anderson (Ray)—a Justice of the Peace (JP) based at the Brisbane Magistrates Court—has been helping Queenslanders through life’s important moments: witnessing documents, supporting police and court users, and offering a calm, friendly presence when it matters most.
Ray first became a JP back in 1967, while working in Queensland’s fast-growing motor vehicle industry.
‘At the time, there were so many cars being sold that we needed someone authorised to verify engine and chassis numbers. That’s how it all started,’ Ray said with a smile.
Since then, his story has reflected Queensland’s own journey of growth and progress.
He worked in property development, helping to build new housing estates for growing families in the 1970s; contributed to electricity infrastructure projects that kept the state powered for generations; and even stepped up to help others during the 1974 Brisbane floods.
‘I’ve always believed in staying active and involved,’ Ray said. ‘Being a JP gives you purpose and keeps you connected to your community—especially after retirement. It’s one of the best things I’ve done.’
Building community, one signature at a time
When Ray retired from his role in the Department of Energy in 2003, he wasn’t ready to stop giving back. Instead, he played a hand in the establishment of the JPs in the Community program, which places volunteer JPs in shopping centres, hospitals and community hubs across Queensland.
‘We wanted to make it easier for people to access a JP—to get their documents signed quickly and easily, without needing to know someone personally,’ he said. ‘It’s all about accessibility and connection.’
That accessibility can make a world of difference—sometimes in the most critical moments.
Ray recalls being called to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where a patient was about to go into surgery but hadn’t signed their advance health directive.
‘There were about 20 patients lined up on their trolleys waiting for surgery, and I was racing around trying to find the right person so they could sign their document before going under,’ he laughed. ‘It might sound small, but that signature gave the doctors the clarity they needed—and it gave the patient peace of mind.’
For Ray, that’s what being a JP is all about: helping people when they need it most.
Today, the program has grown to include more than 3,900 volunteers, providing free witnessing services to thousands of Queenslanders every week.
A cornerstone of community service
Damien Mealey, Director and Registrar of the Justices of the Peace Branch, says volunteers like Ray play a vital role in supporting Queensland’s justice system.
‘If it weren’t for the 630 volunteers working in courthouses across Queensland—people like Ray—much of this important witnessing work would fall to our already busy court staff,’ Mr Mealey said.
‘Our JPs save the system significant time and resources every single day by providing a reliable, accessible service to the community.’
‘More broadly, volunteers across Queensland contribute an estimated $117 billion in economic value to our state each year, according to the Inquiry into volunteering in Queensland (September 2025). That figure shows just how powerful community service can be—not just in economic terms, but in strengthening connection and trust.’
Why not you?
Ray encourages others—particularly retirees and seniors—to consider becoming a JP.
‘You don’t have to have a legal background,’ he said. ‘You just need a genuine desire to help people. It keeps your mind active, gives you a sense of purpose, and connects you with your community in a meaningful way.’
Get involved
This Queensland Seniors Month, the Department of Justice is celebrating the invaluable contribution of JPs like Ray—proof that retirement can be the continuation or start of something rewarding.
If you’re looking for a way to give back, stay connected, and make a lasting impact in your community, find out more about volunteering as a Justice of the Peace: justice.qld.gov.au/jps.
If you’re already a registered JP and would like to get back out in the community, email the JPs in the Community team at jp@justice.qld.gov.au.
Because justice isn’t only delivered in courtrooms—it’s written in everyday acts of service, one signature at a time.