General News
19 November, 2023
Former shire officer region's first Fellow
Former Warracknabeal local government official Kerryn Shade has received significant recognition for a 40-year commitment to the community as a Justice of the Peace. Mr Shade has been named a Fellow of the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary...
Former Warracknabeal local government official Kerryn Shade has received significant recognition for a 40-year commitment to the community as a Justice of the Peace.
Mr Shade has been named a Fellow of the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices - the first Wimmera resident to receive the honour and one of only 135 statewide.
He is now entitled to add the letters FRVAHJ after his name.
State association member and guest speaker Wendy Williams of Dunkeld announced the honour during a Wimmera branch annual meeting at Horsham Sports and Community Club.
Josephine Johns collected the award on his behalf.
Mr Shade was unable to attend the meeting as he remained in Melbourne's Epworth Rehabilitation Centre after an accident involving a waste collection truck near his Bullen Court home.
Mrs Williams said Mr Shade's name was put forward for recognition by his fellow JPs for ongoing and committed service to the public.
Mr Shade was made a JP in 1983 and is an active member of the Wimmera branch, which he served as secretary in the 1990s.
He was also appointed as one of the state's original bail justices in 1990 and held that position until new age-limiting legislation forced his retirement in 2017.
Mrs Williams said the bail justice role required him to attend hearings at police stations across the region, including in the early hours of the morning, at weekends and on public holidays, and often involved driving long distances to ensure that an accused person had the best chance of receiving bail.
She said he was an active member of the team of JPs who signed, witnessed and certified documents.
"This is an invaluable service which frees up many police hours," she said.
"Kerryn also works to enhance the fellowship of JPs and support younger ones.
"We thank him for his commitment and congratulate him on his award."
Mr Shade, a second-generation JP whose father was Victoria's Director of Prisons, was Arapiles Shire secretary before starting with Warracknabeal Shire in 1986.
After local government amalgamations in the mid 1990s he joined the newly formed Horsham Rural City until retiring in 2010.
An accident on October 17 left him requiring surgery in the Alfred Hospital and needing rehabilitation.
He said by phone that he hoped to be repatriated to Horsham to Wimmera Base Hospital on December 17.
Mr Shade, honoured with a Public Service medal in the 2013 Queen's Honours, said he was very honoured to receive the latest award and proud and pleased that he could serve his community in this way.