THE Bendigo law court development has taken a significant step forward with the release of designs for the $152 million facility.
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Revealed on Thursday, the design draws on the cultural imagery and knowledge of the Dja Dja Wurrung and their creation story Bunjil.
Dja Dja Wurrung woman and local artist Racquel Kerr's four-storey high representation of wedge-tailed eagle Bunjil will feature on the facade, while a paved courtyard symbolising a smoking ceremony will greet court users.
Working together with John Wardle Architects, Ms Kerr said the design process took over 18 months.
She said it was surreal to see her design unveiled on something so significant.
Bendigo state members Jacinta Allan and Maree Edwards inspected the progress made on the site and formally unveiled the design on Thursday.
"(This will be a) legacy piece for Bendigo in terms of the way we are recognising and honouring the contribution of our First Nations people in the city," Ms Allan said.
Ms Allan said this was a big project for the Bendigo law community.
"The new law courts will not only provide more modern facilities for the delivery of justice in the community but it will also provide for better access to justice services," she said.
"We look forward to reflecting upon and celebrating the proud culture of the Dja Dja Wurrung every time we visit the new precinct, with its design providing a welcoming environment for all court users."
Creating 390 new jobs, the project will completely rebuild and expand the law courts, delivering the latest technology and infrastructure to enable remote hearings, display evidence, video conferencing and live streaming.
The court will be the first in the state to deliver the full range of specialist court services including Koori Court, Specialist Family Violence Court, Drug Court and Mental Health Assessment and Referral Court.
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said the local community was deeply involved in the design and development of the project.
"For many years there has been discussion about the old court house and it's inability to be a suitable location for justice into the future particularly with our growing community and population across the region," she said.
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"Bendigo is really embracing the cultural aspects of our first nations people in all of these projects and making sure they are front and center is just magnificent."
Capacity will be boosted to support the expanded number of courtrooms, jurisdictions and services operating from the future court - ensuring it responds to and meets the needs of the local community.
It is also designed for zero net carbon emissions - featuring a range of environmentally friendly and sustainable initiatives to reduce energy use, water consumption and waste management.
The new court complex will be used by the Magistrates' Court, Children's Court and VCAT as well as the Supreme Court, County Court and Federal Circuit Court on a circuit basis.
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