Bendigo Law Courts
Project Overview
The Bendigo Law Courts services the Magistrates’ Court, Children’s Court and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal as well as the County Court, the Supreme Court and Federal Circuit Court on a circuit basis. The building aligns with key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence by including a specialist suite and separate building entrances, remote witness facilities, and discrete meeting rooms. The Koori Court and the Assessment and Referral Court will also operate from the new facility, providing access to specialist courts and helping to address offending behavior and reduce reoffending in the community.
Embedding Djaara Lore and elements of healing and cleansing was a significant opportunity for Djaara to create safety and support for their own community and the broader Bendigo regional community.
Beginning with the façade, we are greeted by the awe-inspiring Bundjiyl, which holds the utmost significance in Dja Dja Wurrung Lore. This magnificent artwork thoughtfully created by Raquel Kerr.
As we journey through the path of the smoking Ceremony paving and water elements, thoughtfully designed by Bec Phillips and Aunty Marilyne Nicholls, visitors may interpret this as a cleansing and stepping into a healing space.
The connection to our Ancestors is palpable through the column design and granite triage desk which reflects the symbols of calming and grounding. Inside the Koori Court room, we are graced by Troy Firebrace’s evocative artwork, which depicts a flowing river that is reflecting the paths forged during times of questioning and debate.
Within the same Koori Court, a bar table with a wood burning artwork by Jason Kerr represents the three rivers that define the boundaries of Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country)
In the VCAT hearing room and VCAT mediation room, word burning artworks created by Natasha Carter and Daikota Nelson are featured on bar tables.
The creative cultural expression of Dja Dja Wurrung is integrated into the architecture and landscape and connects people to this place, this Country and the Ancestors. DJAARA hope that this has a healing and grounding impact on all users of the court.
