Roger Dive

Former Magistrate and Senior Judge, Drug Court of NSW

2022 NSW Senior Australian of the Year Nominee

A former Magistrate, head of the New South Wales Children’s Court, and District Court Judge, Roger Dive showed compassion, understanding and dedication to the people who appeared before him in court.

Roger spent 17 years at the head of the specialist Drug Court of New South Wales – an Australian-first when it launched in 1999. The court works with drug-addicted adults who have pleaded guilty, often to serious offences.

Instead of locking them up immediately, they are enrolled in a 12-month rehabilitation program. Roger is still in touch with some of the program’s participants, who went on to live ordinary lives without reoffending. 

Roger retired in mid-2021 after dedicating 50 years to the Australian justice system. He plans to continue supporting the community by volunteering and helping those who are homeless.

In his personal life, Roger has raised two children and fostered 60 more with his wife Linda. Showing great humanity, humility and intelligence, Roger has impacted many lives for the better.