Justice of the peace retires

A LONG-SERVING justice of the peace was farewelled by the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices’ Bendigo branch during their annual general meeting last week.

Ian Dyett’s tenure lasted four decades, during which he served intermittently as president of the branch for 30 years.

“Being a justice of the peace, a lot of them work a lot of their lives with no award. They do it altruistically. So it’s nice to be able to receive this recognition,” he said.

“It’s not something you go in looking for. I loved having the ability to assist people.”

Mr Dyett became a justice of the peace in 1983 following his career as an affidavits commissioner and at the behest of former Member for Bendigo Bruce Reid.

He was the first in Bendigo to be made a fellow of the RVAHJ and was named Bendigo Citizen of the Year in 2004.

“I guess I’m a glutton for punishment,” My Dyett said.

“I look back on anything and think if I’ve helped someone it’s been worth it.”

Paul Kirkpatrick took over the role of president during the proceedings and said Mr Dyett has set a great example to follow.

“He’s made a significant contribution to the area and he’s been a good advocate and champion for JPs in Bendigo and getting more allocated,” he said.

“Ian is certainly been very well-connected in the Bendigo community and he had a good way of connecting with bureaucrats in the department and JPs on the ground.”