Wednesday, 3 October, 2018

Warragul residents now have access to a range of justice services under the same roof thanks to the opening of a new Justice Service Centre.

The one-stop shop will allow people to get consumer affairs advice, make sheriff payments, see youth justice staff, access the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria and submit births, deaths and marriages applications.

The $1.2 million centre will also act as a base for the Warragul Community Correctional Services (CCS) team, which is responsible for managing offenders on community-based orders by ensuring they comply with conditions set by the courts or Adult Parole Board.

The centre opened for business on 11 September and is conveniently located on Queen Street in the Warragul CBD, in close proximity to the train station and other government services including Centrelink and Medicare.

The centre is part of the Victorian Government’s investment of more than $65 million to open new Justice Service Centres and refurbish existing offices across the state.

Warragul is the 16th new Justice Service Centre to open under the expansion program and adds to other Gippsland centres in Bairnsdale, Morwell, Sale and Wonthaggi.

In total, more than $320 million has been invested over the last three years to strengthen Victoria’s expanding CCS system, with more than 300 extra CCS staff recruited to manage and supervise offenders.

This includes 16 staff in the Gippsland region, seven of whom are located in Warragul.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“The new centre is a tremendous asset for Warragul residents, who previously had to travel to Morwell or Pakenham to access Births Deaths and Marriages, Consumer Affairs, the Dispute Settlement Centre and Youth Justice Services.”

“Baw Baw Shire is one of the fastest growing local government areas in the state, and the centre will ensure residents have access to a wide range of justice services under the same roof.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Gayle Tierney

“This facility is a major boost for CCS staff, who work hard each day to make Victoria a safer place by helping to rehabilitate offenders.”

“CCS has expanded significantly in recent years, and the Victorian Government’s investment in infrastructure is ensuring staff have the space and facilities they need to continue their vital work.”