Due to areas of the Northern Territory now being on cyclone watch, and flood warnings for the entire Top End, and subsequent road closures in the Katherine town and region, the following closures and arrangements for affected Court sittings are in place:
Sittings at the Local Court in KATHERINE are cancelled for Monday 23 March, Tuesday 24 March and Wednesday 25 March.
Sittings for the remainder of the week will be determined once updated weather advice and the consequence of the current flooding levels are known.
The Court sittings in BORROLOOLA on 24, 25 AND 26 MARCH are CANCELLED.
The Court sittings in JABIRU and GUNBALANYA on 24, 25, and 26 MARCH are CANCELLED.
No defendants currently in custody at Correctional facilities will be required to attend Court in Katherine, Borroloola, Jabiru or Gunbalanya in person next week.
Any persons arrested in the Katherine region may apply for a review of refusal of police bail over the telephone, and if refused, will be brought to Court in Katherine on Thursday 27 March.
Criminal matters
KATHERINE
In custody:
Any defendants currently being held in custody or who may come into custody, at the Katherine Watchhouse can apply for a review of bail by telephone. During business hours, the Darwin or Alice Springs Local Court Chambers should be contacted. Outside of business hours the on-call Judge should be contacted.
On bail or Summons or Notice to Appear:
All criminal matters listed for Monday 23, Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 March, where the defendant is not in custody will be adjourned for one week, to Monday 30, Tuesday 31 March or Wednesday 1 April at 9.30am. Any bail conditions will continue.
Borroloola
All matters in the current sittings at Borroloola will be managed at the Darwin Court at 10am on Tuesday 24 March. Defendants are not required to appear. New dates for appearance and hearings will be allocated.
Jabiru/Gunbalanya
All matters in the current sittings at Jabiru and Gunbalanya will be managed at the Darwin Court at 10am on Tuesday 24 March. Defendants are not required to appear. New dates for appearance and hearings will be allocated.
Witnesses
If you are a witness for a hearing please contact the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Witness Assistance Service on 1800 659 449, for any updates as to when you may be required in Court.
Domestic and family violence applications
Any current applications for domestic and family violence orders will continue and be adjourned to be heard at the same time as any relevant criminal charges.
Should any person need an urgent domestic violence order they should contact the NT Police at first instance.
This notice will be updated once further information as to road and other closures is available. Should flooding again occur in the Katherine township these arrangements will be amended.
Notice 00/2026 – Date 20 March
Elizabeth Morris
Chief Judge