Tony marks 50 years as a JP

The former Milton Ulladulla businessman was awarded a Commemorative Certificate by the NSW Attorney General, the Honourable Michael Daley Dip Law MP in April.

Mr Hardman said his wife, Marcia, who accompanied him to the Government House presentation, had continually supported him.

Mr Hardman was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace (JP) at Narrabri Court House on June 21, 1972.

He told ACM he was employed as a bank officer at the time and had since lived and worked in seven different communities, owning a business with his wife before retiring.

He, like many others, likes to volunteer to the community he lives in.

"I first became a JP to qualify me to witness deponents signatures on legal documents," he said.

"This assisted people making attestations for many purposes, and now, 50 years later, I am able to provide the same assistance to the frail aged and others."

He was a co- founder and developer of the Milton and Districts Community Bank some 20 years ago.

Mrs and Mr Hardman arrived in Ulladulla in 1982 where Mr Hardman opened the ANZ Bank.

Mr Hardman said he intended to continue to serve the community as a JP while the State of NSW required him.

He said it was not difficult to become a JP, but the suitability of an applicant requires a "fairly thorough investigation for obvious reasons."