Explore VCAT
The Wyndham Law Courts will mark a major milestone for the western suburbs as VCAT’s first community-based tribunal venue in Melbourne’s west. Until now, VCAT services in metropolitan Melbourne have largely been centred in the CBD, with some decentralisation through community-based venues such as Bundoora, Frankston and Oakleigh. The new facility at Wyndham will bring multiple hearing rooms closer to local residents, allowing them to have their matters dealt with in a more familiar, accessible environment rather than travelling into central Melbourne.
Operationally, VCAT will open at Wyndham sitting four days per week, utilising four hearing rooms along with mediation facilities as needed. Initially, the venue will hear cases from the Residential Tenancies and Guardianship lists. Over time, from 2026, it will expand to include Civil Claims, Human Rights, and Planning & Environment matters.
The Wyndham VCAT venue is designed to mirror the community-based model already in use at Bundoora, Frankston and Oakleigh, which enables local access, informal hearing environments, and services closer to people’s homes. The space will include counter enquiry services, hearing support, dispute resolution pathways, and specialist liaison services—such as for family violence, Koori participants, and people with disabilities. Vulnerable users will benefit from enhanced safety infrastructure, and a dedicated Koori hearing room will support culturally responsive processes tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Importantly, the presence of VCAT in Wyndham is expected to deliver stronger protections for women, particularly in family violence–impacted tenancy cases. Through the Residential Tenancies list, victim survivors will have more accessible avenues to change or end leases, or contest vacate notices locally. The new venue also integrates support organisations so VCAT staff will be able to assist users with referrals to these services.
Safety and Security
The Wyndham Law Courts prioritise safety and security for all users, with dedicated safe entry and waiting areas, as well as secure drop-off points for visitors accessing Safe Wait. The courts include two Specialist Family Violence Courtrooms with safe witness alcoves, two Magistrates’ Courtrooms with recessed witness boxes and screens for protected witnesses, and Remote Witness facilities to support vulnerable participants.
Onsite G4S Court Security Officers monitor over 500 CCTV cameras, manage airport-style security screening at public entry points, and respond to more than 400 duress alarms installed throughout meeting rooms, offices, service counters, and courtrooms. Additional safety measures include secure vehicle and bicycle parking for judiciary and staff, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units, and First Aid Kits on every level.
