New signing service now open at Victorian Pride Centre

A new Justice of the Peace document signing centre (DSC) at the Victorian Pride Centre (VPC) is now serving the community, having recently opened in conjunction with the 30^th anniversary of Midsumma’s Pride March.

As the only community-based DSC within a 10km radius of Melbourne’s CBD, the new centre provides the only critical alternative to DSCs based in police station or law courts.

The centre was officially opened back in February by Victoria’s Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Ro Allen, who was joined by the Commissioner for LGTBIQA+ communities Joe Ball at the unveiling.

President of the Royal Association for Honorary Justices (RVAHJ) Rodney Lavin said providing the service at the Pride Centre helped break down barriers and “ensures everyone has equal access to our legal system”.

“Many individuals within Melbourne’s LGBTIQA+ and culturally diverse communities have experienced negative interactions with law enforcement,” Mr Lavin said.

“Leading to deep-seated mistrust and avoidance of traditional Justice of the Peace locations like police stations and law courts.”

The new DSC has already serviced more than 200 clients and signed more than 1000 documents, providing an essential service for everyone.

Every Saturday from 12pm to 4 pm (excluding public holiday weekends), a roster of 15 JPs delivers free document witnessing, certification of identity documents, and the execution of necessary paperwork.

“The DSC@VPC is an essential community resource that has been embraced,” DSC coordinator Dean Beck said.

Anyone who needs a JP’s trusted services can walk into the Victorian Pride Centre at 79-81 Fitzroy St in St Kilda without an appointment.

Caption: From left to right: Paul Horwell, CEO Victorian Pride Centre, Kathy Cooney JP, Dean Beck JP, and presenting the awards RVAHJ President, Rodney Lavin JP FRVAHJ. (Image: Dean Beck JP)