A multi-jurisdictional court building
Built on Dja Dja Wurrung Country, the new Bendigo Law Courts service Bendigo and the Loddon-Mallee region. The multi-jurisdictional court hosts the Magistrates' Court of Victoria, Children's Court of Victoria, and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), as well as the Supreme Court of Victoria, County Court of Victoria, and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia on a circuit basis.
The building has been designed with people, for people and reflects Bendigo’s unique architecture and culture, prioritising everyone’s wellbeing, technology and environmental sustainability.
The design is anchored to Bendigo's unique heritage and informed by the culture and connection to Country of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Bendigo's Traditional Owners. Dja Dja Wurrung culture is embedded in the building, representing an important collaboration, including:
- Language and art elements in over 35 locations within the building and precinct.
- Artworks by Djaara artists throughout the building, including a representation of creation being Bunjil, soaring four levels high in the building's copper fabric, enveloping the corner facade of Hargreaves and Mundy Streets.
- A welcoming courtyard paved to symbolise a smoking ceremony and landscaped to symbolise the distinctive granite outcrops, water features and native flora of Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
Artwork
Artwork and cultural elements have been integrated within the building, consistent with the calming, contemplative atmosphere of the design and consideration around the thematic connection of artwork and cultural elements to the activity of the court relating to safety, justice, healing, and restitution.
Djaara language
Language of the Dja Dja Wurrung (Djaara) is used within the building and precinct. Visit this page to learn more about the language shared by the Dja Dja Wurrung with the Bendigo Law Courts.
Reviewed 7 December 2023
