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30 August 2024

Information is being provided regarding the upcoming front counter re-design project at the Local Court Darwin.  This project is an essential part of efforts to improve the functionality, security and disability accessibility of the Court's front counter area.

Project commencement
The front counter re-design is scheduled to commence on Wednesday 4 September 2024. The works are anticipated to last for approximately six to eight weeks, during which the front counter area will be fully boarded up to ensure the safety and security of both staff and the public. The majority of the works will take place after hours and on weekends. 

Continued operations and service
We are fully committed to minimising any disruption to our Court services during this period. Despite the construction work, the Local Court Darwin will remain fully operational, and every effort is being made to ensure that our service to the public, Court users and stakeholders, continues at the highest standard.

Temporary arrangements
While the front counter is under construction, we will implement temporary front counter arrangements to ensure that Local Court operations continue without interruption.

Entry and exit of the building
There will be no changes made to entry and security screening as this area is not impacted by the project.  

The exit door will be temporarily re-located to the Bennett Street exit.  The exit will be manned by security at all time.  Entry is not permitted via the Bennett Street exit door. 

Media
The temporary Bennett Street exist area is much smaller than the existing exit.  Media are asked to ensure they do not block or hinder anyone from exiting the building.  Media should remain at least three metres from the Bennett Street exit in order to allow court users to exit the building freely. 

Civil registry
The civil registry will be fully operational and business as usual.

Criminal registry
The criminal registry will not be accessible. However, criminal registry staff will be based in the civil registry and anyone needing in person assistance from the criminal registry team should attend the civil registry. The criminal registry remains fully functional and operating behind the scenes. The civil registry is located at the rear of Zone A on the ground floor and can be accessed via both the Bennett Street side of the building and the Harry Chan Avenue side of the building.

Bail documents and general documents for signing
Defendants (not in custody) required to sign bail documents or other Court documents will be directed by the Judges to remain in the Court precinct in Zone A. Court staff will sign-up defendants on bail or other Court documents at the temporary desk located outside Court 1.

Surrender on a warrant
Defendants wishing to surrender on a warrant are to present themselves to the civil registry for assistance. 

Fines Recovery Unit staff
Fines Recovery Unit staff usually located at the front counter will temporarily move to Zone B, Level 2 (above Births, Deaths and Marriages).

Anyone wishing to pay a fine, penalty, bail surety, enter into payment arrangements or other FRU related functions such as payment of filing fees for processes in criminal proceedings, will be re-directed to Zone B, Level 2 for in-person assistance from FRU staff.

General assistance
Anyone needing general Local Court assistance has the following options:

  • attend the civil registry
  • ask a court officer
  • telephone the local court on 8999 6417
  • email the Local Court (email addresses available on the Local Court website)

Justices of the peace
There will be no changes to justice of the peace services during this period.  The QR code currently at the front counter will be available to scan upon entry. 

Communication and updates
The Local Court Darwin will keep stakeholders informed with regular updates as the project progresses.

Signage will be placed in and around the building in order to direct people to the where they need to go.

Our friendly Court officers and security are also available to assist and escort anyone who might need directions or assistance.   

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or require further clarification on any aspect of this project.