Retired Drug Court pioneer nominated for 2022 NSW Senior Australian of the Year

13 Nov 2021

I am delighted that retired Senior Judge of the NSW Drug Court Roger Dive is a finalist for a 2022 NSW Australian of the Year award.

This nomination is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the former magistrate and District Court judge's dedication to helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

Judge Dive retired in August after devoting half a century to the justice system, including as President of the NSW Children’s Court, and helping to establish, then head the specialist Drug Court for 17 years.

Judge Dive has helped change many lives across NSW during his work at the Drug Court, which diverts drug-dependent offenders into tailored, intensive rehabilitation that is proven to be more efficient at driving down crime than prison.

Judge Dive’s dedication to serving others extended from his career on the bench to his family life, fostering 60 children along with raising two of his own with Linda, his wife of 47 years.

In retirement Judge Dive continues to serve his community with compassion, with plans to volunteer with people experiencing homelessness.

I congratulate Judge Dive for his nomination as 2022 NSW Senior Australian of the Year. Win or lose, his life has provided his fellow Australians with a stellar example of citizenship.

The NSW Australian of the Year will be announced on Monday.

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