Court upgrade

Ararat Magistrate’s Court has reopened following major safety and security upgrades.

The State Government-funded $490,000 project includes a new waiting area and interview room to create a safer experience for people affected by family violence attending court.

Along with building works to increase security at the registry area and entrance, trained security officers attend the court on sitting days to provide entry screening and roving security.

The upgrades also include mobile screening in the courtroom to visually separate parties and improved access to public amenities. The court has been closed since building works started in December 2017.

The court was built in 1866 and the building had remained largely unchanged internally since a west wing was added to the structure in 1909.

Attorney-general Martin Pakula said the works helped deliver on Recommendation 182 of the Royal Commission into Family Violence by better supporting victim survivors of family violence in rural, regional and remote communities.

“Private court facilities and a stronger security presence at the Ararat courthouse will help create a safer experience for those attending court – particularly for people impacted by family violence,” he said.

“We’re implementing all of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence and providing more support for victims in rural, regional and remote communities.”