Trainer and Assessor
Canberra, ACT

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts Degree
Diploma of Education
Justice of the Peace
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Plan Conduct and Review a Marriage Ceremony
Certificate IV in Celebrancy (2012)

Professional Associations

Australian Marriage Celebrants

Experience as a Celebrant

Judy has been a full time professional marriage celebrant since 2006. She brings rich life experience and much enthusiasm to her role as celebrant. Judy is also a Civil Partnership Notary and recently conducted the first ceremonies to legalise gay unions.

Originally from Tasmania she has lived in the ACT for over 30 years. Her background is in Education. Before becoming a celebrant she was a teacher and Deputy Principal of a primary school, a profession she loved. This experience is invaluable in her new profession of celebrant.

Judy is an internationally published author and has wide experience in public speaking, to a variety of audiences and in a variety of media. She has spoken to professional groups, parent groups, at conferences and to literary gatherings.

What attracted Judy to celebrancy?

A friend mentioned that she had decided to train as a celebrant and convinced me that I should train with her. The irony is that she does not like the role and is no longer active and I find it so enjoyable and rewarding.

A great moment in Judy's celebrant practice

It was very special to conduct the first ceremonies in Australia to legalise gay unions, only days after the ACT legislation was passed. The first men and first women to have such ceremonies had drinks with my husband and me a few days later and we celebrated the significance of the occasion. There really was the feeling for all of us involved that we were part of the history of human rights in Australia.

I enjoy all aspects of being a celebrant but especially the opportunity to meet such a variety of interesting people and having the opportunity to share with them a highly anticipated and important milestone in their lives. And marrying ex students and the children of friends is also very special.