Since being appointed to the bench in January this year, Magistrate Burns has presided over the Local Court and Children’s Court in Sydney.

“Magistrate Burns has an impressive legal career that spans three decades,” Chief Magistrate Judge Graeme Henson said.

“As a barrister, she was based in Newcastle and worked extensively across the Hunter and Central Coast regions.

“She has brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Local Court and is a dedicated judicial officer who is passionate about regional NSW.”

Magistrate Burns began her career as a court officer at Wyong, Belmont and Wallsend in the mid-1980s before being admitted to the bar in 1998.

As a barrister, she worked primarily in Family Law, District and Supreme Court appeals, Children’s Court and some criminal matters.

She was also on the Legal Aid Practitioner Panel for the Children's Court and worked pro bono for the Intellectual Disability Rights Service, Criminal Justice Support Network and Women's Legal Service.

Magistrate Burns will begin at Port Macquarie from January 4 next year.

A relieving magistrate will continue to be assigned to the circuit until the end of the year.

Magistrate Burns replaces the late Magistrate Hodgson, 71, who passed away in mid-September after 25 years on the bench – the last seven years based in Port Macquarie.