Sheriff’s Office celebrates 200 years of service for NSW

Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Australia’s oldest law enforcement agency, the NSW Sheriff’s Office, is being recognised for its vital role keeping the state’s justice system running smoothly for 200 years.

To mark its bicentenary, a range of activities will take place throughout May, with a focus on celebrating the diverse people and rich history of the Sheriff’s Office. Activities include:

• a public exhibition at the Downing Centre in Sydney
• a mini documentary to be launched in late May
• statewide events for Sheriff’s Office staff, legal practitioners and others to attend
• a social media campaign featuring Sheriff’s Office staff and leaders from across NSW.

The exhibition at the Downing Centre will run for the whole month of May and will feature historical accounts and stories from the Sheriff’s Office, along with artefacts from courthouses around the state.

The mini documentary demonstrates the important relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and the NSW justice system over the last two centuries, told through stories of people behind the badge. It includes exclusive historical footage and reflections from several retired NSW Sheriffs as well as current and former staff.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The NSW Sheriff’s Office is a pillar of the state’s justice system and has been protecting our courthouses and working with our communities for generations, to ensure the safe, efficient and effective administration of justice across NSW.

“With more than 400 specially trained Sheriff's officers, court officers and clerical staff employed at 58 offices across the state, it is this diverse and skilled group of professionals that make the NSW Sheriff’s Office the respected institution it is today.

"I thank the NSW Sheriff’s Office staff for their dedication and service as we mark this important milestone.”

Sheriff of NSW Tracey Hall said:

“The bicentenary is a wonderful opportunity to reflect, celebrate and look to the future as the NSW Sheriff's Office continues to grow and evolve alongside our community and the justice system.

“The Sheriff’s Office has a rich history and we have continuously evolved as a law enforcement and security body during our 200 years serving the people of NSW.

“In 1824 we served the then colony of NSW which covered the whole of eastern Australian and Van Dieman’s Land (now Tasmania) – more than 2.8 million square kilometres. Our responsibilities included carrying out orders of the Supreme Court, running prisons and executions.

“Nowadays, communication skills are key for our staff and the NSW Sheriff’s Office is focussed on providing inclusive, quality and timely services to our clients and community. Whether that’s ensuring the safety of people attending court and managing juries or serving warrants and enforcing writs/court orders in the community.

“Thank you to all our current and former staff as we celebrate our bicentenary.”