Justices of the Peace act as witnesses to documents signed for official or legal purposes, and are required to certify that a copy of an original document is a true and accurate copy.

Member for Murray Austin Evans presented Mr Battocchio with the commemorative certificate – signed by NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman – and praised his service to the community.

“It is a remarkable achievement to provide half a century of service as a JP, and one that deserves to be honoured,” Mr Evans said.

Mr Battacchio had been invited to Parliament House to receive the certificate, but he said it was a fair distance to travel.

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Instead, he got a phone call from Mr Evans, who wished to meet with Mr Battacchio and present the certificate personally.

And, not one for a big celebration, Mr Battacchio made it a quiet event – receiving the award only in the company of his wife of 50 years, Catherine.

Mr Battacchio said that he will continue his service as a JP, and will need to renew his registration.

“I’m registered until 2019 – and then I’ll have to reapply for the next five years,” he said.

“I’m 75 now, so that will bring me to 80 if I’m lucky enough to live that long.”

“As a JP of 50 years, Mr Battocchio has played an important part in the legal system and in our community by helping hundreds of people at key moments in their lives, such as when they buy a house, access superannuation or go to court,” Mr Evans said.

“There are nearly 95,000 JPs in NSW, together volunteering hundreds of thousands of hours to their communities and assisting the efficient functioning of our legal system.”

The NSW Government introduced commemorative certificates for 50 years of service as a JP in 2012. Since then, more than 2,000 certificates have been awarded.

People can search for a JP in their area by visiting the online public register of JPs.