Magistrate Jennifer Tregent has been moved to the courts in Melbourne, while Magistrate David Faram has returned to be permanently based in Shepparton.

Magistrate Richard Wright retired from the position due to ill health.

Magistrate Peter Mithen has also been relocated to another area of Victoria.

They were replaced by Magistrates Patrick Southey, Sarah Leighfield and Michael King.

Mr Southey has presided in the courts in Bendigo at various stages throughout the last few years, while Dr King has worked as a senior lecturer in the faculty of law at Monash University, and has 36 years of legal experience.

Ms Leighfield was appointed as a magistrate in September last year after 14 years as a criminal lawyer.

Bendigo Law Association president Jennifer Digby thanked the departing magistrates for their service to Bendigo, and welcomed their replacements.

“On behalf of the Bendigo Law Association, I welcome our new magistrates and wish them a fulfilling experience in the Bendigo courts,” she said.