LANGWARRIN’S Robert Bolch was recognised for service to the community of the Mornington Peninsula in this month’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
The 80-year-old justice of the peace can now add OAM after the letters JP to his name as reward for his tireless voluntary work officially witnessing and counter-signing legal documents at Frankston police station and beyond.
Mr Bolch estimates he has witnessed “more than 5000” documents in his time at the front counter of Frankston police station since 2005 despite past predictions by experts that everyone would be living in “a paperless society”.
The Langwarrin resident helped set up signing stations at Mornington, Rosebud and Carrum Downs after his arrival from Queensland in 2004.
He is also a JP in the sunshine state.
“So I get paid nothing twice,” he joked.
The OAM is the latest in a long line of awards garnered by Mr Bolch including being made a Paul Harris Fellow from Frankston South Rotary Club last year.
Mr Bloch said he felt “very privileged” to receive the Medal of the Order this month.