Sixty years is a long time to serve in any profession, let alone an unpaid volunteer role, which is why Coolum local Tom Schwabe has a milestone worth celebrating, according to Ninderry MP Dan Purdie.

Mr Purdie presented Tom with a Certificate of Service for 60 years as a Justice of the Peace and a badge in honour of his achievement.

In thanking Tom for his many years of service, Mr Purdie said it was fitting to acknowledge his dedication and commitment during National Volunteer Week.

“The role of the Justice of the Peace volunteers in our community is a vitally important one which is accessed by hundreds of people every year,” Mr Purdie said.

“Thanks to individuals like Tom, JP’s help free up our courts for more serious matters, and by offering their services on a voluntary basis, they provide a valuable service to many.”