REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT: SOUTH WEST QLD

DISTANCE IS NO OBSTACLE FOR THE QJA

The south west of Queensland has provided a rich history of Aboriginal culture, famous explorers, historic hotels, development of roads and outback transport in extreme conditions, and a strong sense of community through the years. Industries include oil, gas, beef, wool, and cotton.

Festivals in the area are important in bringing the people together and include the Birdsville Races, the Thargomindah Channel Country Quick Shears Shindig, the Noccundra Rodeo and Campdraft, the Tri-State New Year’s Eve Event at Cameron Corner, Easter in the Vines at St George, the Quilpie Diggers Cup, and the Windorah Yellowbelly Hunt, as well as the Catch a Murray Cod in Dirranbandi. Roma has the largest cattle selling centre in Australia and Cubbie Station, near Dirranbandi, is the largest irrigated farm in the Southern Hemisphere. All of this suggests a rich tapestry and a unique area, so different from the more densely populated urban areas of Queensland.

Because of the distances between towns and properties in the region and the resulting isolation, the services provided by JPs is at times challenging, however these services are provided on a regular basis. Larger towns like Roma have a signing centre but this is not the case for the many small towns and districts, though a diverse range of legal documents still require witnessing by a JP. QJA has many members in the area, and though they are unable to attend regular Branch meetings, they strive to maintain their knowledge and always provide a professional service. QJA members are in Charleville, Roma, Windorah, St George, Injune, Yuleba, Dirranbandi, Thallon, Wyandra, and Quilpie.

The professional service our QJA members provide to their clients is to be commended. Members make regular use of QJA online professional development units and use technology such as Zoom to reduce the impact of isolation. Workshops have been organised in some of the larger towns and have been well received by members. The Western Suburbs QJA Branch has extended their “Outreach Programme” to include QJA’s south western Queensland members in their professional development activities and their meetings.

The QJA’s aim is to serve and support all members. To this end, we aim to connect more closely with members and ensure that all members have the chance to maintain their knowledge of new laws and changes to witnessing procedures. Whether you live in the south west, the north, an urban area, or small country town, the QJA is your organisation and ready to meet all its members’ needs.Hutb

Contributor: Garth Stephens, Director JP(Qual)