Court safety upgrades - Bairnsdale

Bairnsdale residents will soon have access to safer court facilities with building works now underway at the historic courthouse.  

“Existing court facilities face significant challenges in responding effectively to family violence matters as older courthouses were not designed to address such complex family issues, or host the range of agency and support services that operate within a modern court,” said Court Services Victoria Chief Operating Officer Brian Stevenson.

The works include upgrades to the safe waiting area and interview room, improved accessibility and the installation of mobile screens in the courtroom to visually separate parties. The Registry area will also be upgraded to improve safety.

The $600,000 upgrades, funded by the 2016-17 State Budget, are due for completion in mid-2018. The upgrades will create a safer experience for people attending court by reducing opportunities for harm and intimidation, delivering on key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

“Court Services Victoria has worked closely with the Magistrates’ Court to finalise designs, ensuring that the upgrades support service delivery while also creating a safer experience for vulnerable people attending court,” said Mr Stevenson.

The Bairnsdale Magistrates' Court will continue to operate Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm during the building works.