Toowoomba man Graham Christensen has been awarded for his 50 years’ service as a Justice of the Peace.

Mr Christensen, 73, still enjoys volunteering in the Lions Club and first became a JP while working as a business banker for the Commonwealth Bank.

“I had a rule that I would never refuse to see anyone who came into the bank and needed help,” Mr Christensen said. 

“I worked for the Commonwealth Bank for many a moons, but we rarely stayed in the same place for too long. We lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Townsville, Warwick, Cairns, Toowoomba but my fondest memories were the time we spent in the Solomon Island and Papua New Guinea,” Mr Christensen said.

Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki MP presented Mr Christensen with a commemorative certificate and medallion to thank him for his service.

“This presentation was a great opportunity to recognise Mr Christensen’s significant achievement – he has provided an important service over the years for the people all over Queensland,” Mr Janetzki said.

Mr and Mrs Christensen have some very warm memories of their time in PNG.

“I was sent to PNG to help develop banking in the country, and it was fantastic to have my family their with me. Our kids attended school their and we were able to see parts of the country that many people will never see in their lifetime,” Mr Christensen said.

After moving around for many years working in different banks, the Christensen’s have settled in Toowoomba and Graham is certainly enjoying retirement.