A man who created history when he became the first District Court judge to live in the regional community where he was presiding has been farewelled by the Dubbo legal fraternity.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Judge Gordon Lerve presided over a short ceremonial sitting of the court on Friday, his last day prior to a move to Wagga Wagga where he will be that city’s first resident judge.
Barristers, solicitors and court staff gathered for the ceremony, which was tinged with both sadness and humour.
Judge Lerve started in Dubbo as an Acting Judge on November 14, 2011, with Friday’s sitting ending a stint of almost six years in the city.
Chris Simpson spoke on behalf of the Bar Association of NSW when he called Judge Lerve a “truly remarkable judicial officer, a remarkable judge and a remarkable person”.
Representing the Crown, Liam Shaw told the court that “every advocate that appears before Your Honour becomes a better advocate” before joking he looked forward to having matters moved to Wagga Wagga.
Thank you Dubbo, thank you to all those present. It's not so much goodbye but see you later.
- Judge Gordon Lerve
Peter Bartley spoke on behalf of the city’s solicitors when he said Judge Lerve had been compassionate to all parties involved in cases brought before him, before commenting on Mr Lerve’s interaction with the community.
“I have observed Your Honour unfailingly show compassion and understanding to all parties involved….during any hearing and whilst delivering a judgement,” Mr Bartley said.
“...I was in Snare’s Newsagency recently when Your Honour was being served by the lady behind the counter, who was having a great conversation but referring to Your Honour by your first name.
“It struck me then and it strikes me now that this local community will miss much more than a respected judicial officer when Your Honour departs.”
In his closing address, an emotional Judge Lerve thanked the city of Dubbo for what it had given him.
“I am humbled and embarrassed by the kind words and the number of people here,” he said.
“I think it’s the first time I’ve been called diplomatic, told that I’m patient, and told I give matters calm consideration.
“I came here to do a job, thinking it would be for two weeks, maybe three.
“Dubbo has been extremely good to me, and I have enjoyed living here and being part of the community.
“Thank you Dubbo, thank you to all those present. It's not so much goodbye but see you later.”