Following several months of delays, the Wyndham Law Courts will open in November.
Star Weekly understands the magistrates and county courts are scheduled to become operational on November 10, while Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) will commence operations on November 17.
Construction began on the complex, which is the largest court complex in Victoria outside of the CBD, in January 2023.
The state government allocated $114 million in this year’s budget to finalise the complex and open the courts after the original March opening date was delayed.
Located next to the Werribee police station, the $275 million multi-jurisdictional facility features 13 courtrooms, four hearing rooms, three mediation suites and 26 holding cells.
The courts will service Wyndham and the wider western metropolitan region.
Forming part of the Wyndham Justice Precinct, the complex brings together the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, the Children’s Court of Victoria and the VCAT, along with specialist therapeutic courts and community services.
The new complex is designed with technology to enable remote hearings, display of digital evidence and video conferencing alongside conveniences like public Wi-Fi and charging stations.
The court complex also includes safe waiting areas, interview rooms and dedicated spaces for family violence matters and culturally safe services for First Nations people.
The state government said the Wyndham Law Courts will also deliver specialist services including the Specialist Family Violence Court, Koori Court and Marrum Ngala-Ganbu (Koori Family Hearing Day), due to open in early 2027.
Werribee MP John Lister said the complex will deliver critical judicial services for the community, as well as important employment opportunities to the heart of Werribee.
“Along with strengthening our laws and providing police with the resources and powers they need to keep our communities safe, the Labor Government is investing to ensure people have their day in court sooner and closer to home,” he said.
A free open day for the law courts will be held on Saturday, October 11, offering community members the chance to tour the facilities, interact with staff and learn about the architectural design of the complex.
To register: https://openhousemelbourne.org/event/wyndham-law-courts-open-day/
