Members of the PCG Team were fortunate to be invited to do a tour of the new Bendigo Law Courts with Judy O’Connor, from Court Services Victoria (CSV), who is managing the workforce strategy and transition of the court building.
The focus of the tour was to hear how they had approached integrating Djaara language and culture, with the extensive use of storytelling and artwork installations throughout the facility.
“Judy provided an inspiring overview of the new law courts, which gave us amazing insight into the process they had followed to include language and art elements in over 35 locations within the building and precinct,” said David Gunn, BDAC’s Executive Director of Corporate Services.
Judy explained how the artwork and cultural elements were 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.
The approach extended to walls, floors, outdoor landscaping, furniture, sculpture, hanging artworks, digital interactive artwork and of course, the stunning copper cladding on the building with a representation of creation being Bunjil, soaring four levels high, enveloping the corner faćade of Hargreaves and Mundy Streets.
“Being able to see how CSV approached this project, not only gave us vital insight into the process followed, but also inspired us to carry out a similar process throughout our BDAC site, with planning already underway to make this a reality,” concluded David.
Watch the video about the new law courts here.
