Mr Hardwick, 79, is showing no signs of slowing down in his retirement, sometimes making three to four trips a day to Westridge Post Office to perform his JP duties.

Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki MP presented Mr Hardwick with a Ruby Certificate for his 40 years’ service.

“People like Joe are invaluable to our community,” Mr Janetzki said.

“He has worked hard all his life – a motor mechanic since he was 17 – and even in retirement he continues to work for the residents of Toowoomba,” he said.

Mr Hardwick has done a lot of JP work at post offices in Toowoomba and Oakey.

“I still remember when the police would come knocking on my door at midnight getting me to sign things,” he said.

“I’ve always said, ‘if you’re going to do something, you do it properly’.”

Mr Hardwick still enjoys restoring cars in his retirement.

“I’ve been a motor mechanic for 62 years,” he said.

“Though these days I work for slabs (of beer).”   

Caption: Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki MP presents Noel “Joe” Hardwick, 79, with a Justice of the Peace 40-year long service award.

Media Contacts:

David Janetzki MP                                                                                                                             0417 644 597 

Lacey Maguire                                                                                                                                     (07) 4602 3100