Wimmera Justices of the Peace have reflected on what they like most about their roles, as the region experiences an ongoing shortage of the volunteers.
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Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has called for the state government to actively recruit more volunteers.
There are only 36 serving the region between Rainbow and Hamilton.
Justices of the Peace witness affidavits and other documents for use in court and certify people's identities, both during and outside business hours.
Hindmarsh Shire councillor Rob Gersch is the only Justice of the Peace in Nhill, having held the role for 36 years.
"I'm not against it, but a few years ago a rule was brought in that every five years you had to go through a refresher course online, and we had a couple of quite elderly JPs who said they weren't doing it," he said.
"Some other JPs have passed away or retired in recent years.
"There are a lot more people who can sign a statutory declaration than just JPs these days - chemists, schoolteachers, which is why I think the government hasn't recruited any more."
Nonetheless, Cr Gersch said people like him were still needed across the Wimmera.
"You need them where there are affidavits for things like divorces and settlements," he said.
"Other people can't do that.
"If there were no Justices of the Peace in their town, people would have to travel to Horsham or maybe even beyond the region to get those things done."
Cr Gersch said people looked to Justices of the Peace for more than just help signing documents.
"You don't usually get involved in the nuts and bolts of the issues people need the documents for, but sometimes people do feel the need to talk about it and they're more comfortable talking to the JP," he said.
"I once had to witness a death certificate for a young lady whose family I knew very well, and she had confidence in coming to me because she knew me."
Former Horsham Rural City Council chief executive Kerryn Shade said Justices of the Peace were especially important for new migrants.
"If they want to buy houses they need someone to certify they are Australian citizens - confirm they have valid drivers licences and the like," he said.
Mr Shade said Justices of the Peace offered a signing service out of Horsham library every Wednesday afternoon.
Ms Kealy's office said people who needed such services could visit the weblink www.findajp.com.au.