While his welcome ceremony may have been postponed in 2021 due to the COVID pandemic, His Honour Judge Chris Bowrey’s low-key retirement went ahead as planned – although somewhat reluctantly.
Not one for seeking the limelight, the retiring judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s Townsville Registry was farewelled by the North Queensland legal profession at a dinner on Friday, 28 November.
A family law solicitor in Townsville for more than 40 years, His Honour was appointed as a judge of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia in 2021.
When appointed to the role, His Honour was described as a ‘faithful stalwart’, which Queensland Law Society Vice President Peter Jolly told the Townsville function aptly described Judge Bowrey.
“When I was informed that you had requested no valedictory events and no official celebration of any kind, quite frankly I was aghast,” Peter, a long-time friend as well as representing the solicitors branch, said.
“While I can understand your reluctance to take centre stage, even if only for a brief time, it would not have been right for you to finish what has been an outstanding career without the profession having some opportunity to mark the occasion.
“And so I am very glad that Di Ruhl and the Townsville profession were able to prevail on you to have this dinner, at which they could say some nice things about you.”
Peter said His Honour had a long association with the solicitors’ branch of the profession, until his appointment to the Bench.
“Fresh from school, you commenced five-year articles in January 1973 at Wilson Ryan and Grose, and what an asset the 17-year-old Chris Bowrey must have been to that firm, and you were then admitted as a solicitor, with no objection, on 28 February 1978,” he said.
“Fast forward the 43 years, you left the branch to take up your appointment as a judge of the then Federal Circuit Court. At the time of your appointment as a judge, the QLS magazine Proctor welcomed your appointment and said: ‘Mr Bowrey has been a faithful stalwart of the Townsville legal profession and community for more than 40 years as well as a QLS member and contributor’.
“I want to highlight those words ‘faithful stalwart’ because they sum up perfectly a remarkable contribution over almost 48 years to the profession, to the administration of justice and to the local community.
“Indeed, when you were awarded the OAM in 2023, it was for just that – a contribution to the law and your local community. I suggest that ‘faithful stalwart’ is a badge of honour that is only able to be worn by a few but it is something to which we all should aspire, no matter our field of endeavour.”
Peter said could be no doubt about the enormity of His Honour’s contribution to the profession.
“Almost five years on the bench and more than 40 years as a local practitioner at Wilson Ryan Grose, along the way serving as a member of the QLS Family Law Committee from November 1993 to February 2004 and as a Senior Counsellor of the QLS from 2014 to 2021,” he said.
“I was told by the QLS that you have been a member of the QLS since 1991 but they conceded that was the limit of the digital records they keep for these things, so I think we can safely assume a much longer membership period would apply.
“Indeed, you were made an honorary member of the QLS following your appointment to the bench: again this reflects the contribution made to the profession and the esteem in which the Society holds you.
“As a practitioner, and then as a judge, the people who came to you for advice, or whose matters came before you, were often distressed and at their most vulnerable. Your wisdom and experience would no doubt have helped them navigate those difficult times and the positive impact you have had on those people should not be underestimated.
“And along the way you mentored scores of junior lawyers, made lasting friendships with your colleagues here in Townsville and helped shape the careers of many more.
“Perhaps some of the practitioners who opposed you in matters or who appeared before you from time to time and who may not have quite met the standards you expected of them may not remember you with the same fondness but even they would have to concede that the standards you walk past are the standards you accept, and that’s not the Bowrey way.”
Peter said Judge Bowrey’s contribution to his hometown went far beyond the legal role.
“But the mark you have made goes far beyond what you had done as a judge and as a practitioner – as a Townsville local, raising a family here with Sue, you were and remain embedded into the local communities here – lifesaving, rugby, schools. These are things to which you willingly gave so much of your time over many, many years,” he said.
“Your appointment to the bench in 2021 was greeted with acclaim, both here in Townsville and the State. While that meant your time in the solicitors’ branch had come to an end, you brought those years of practice and experience to the Court and the administration of justice was the better for it.
“And so, and behalf of Margaret and me, and on behalf of the solicitors of Queensland, current and past, I offer congratulations on a career and a contribution to the law and to Townsville that has been so rightly recognised, best wishes on the occasion of your retirement from the bench and our very best wishes to you and Sue as you embark on the next chapter of your lives. May you have opportunity to loiter in the foyers of grand hotels all over the world and may you both enjoy a long, happy and healthy retirement.”
Judge Bowrey was also a member of the Townsville District Law Association and North Queensland Law Association. He has served on the Human Research Ethics Committee of James Cook University, the Townsville District Rugby Union Judiciary Committee, the Ignatius Park Christian Brothers Secondary College Board and the St Joseph’s Primary School Board.
When appointed back in 2021, the Chief Judge of the Federal, the Honourable Will Alstergren said Mr Bowrey brought a wealth of experience and local knowledge to the Court.
“It is imperative that regional communities have fair and reasonable access to the justice system and I am delighted that this appointment has been made,” Justice Alstergren said.
At that time, Mr Bowrey said he was honoured to have been appointed as a Judge of the Federal Circuit Court.
“It is a very important time to be joining the Courts and I look forward to continuing to service the Townsville community.”
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