On Friday, 28 July, Victoria's newest County Koori Court was formally launched in Bendigo, enhancing the role of Aboriginal Elders in the region's justice system. This specialist court aims to include the Victorian Aboriginal community in the sentencing process.
The launch was attended by Judge Scott Johns, Judge in Charge of the County Koori Court, and Bendigo County Koori Court Elders Uncle Wally Harrison and Uncle Mark Little. The Welcome to Country was performed by Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owner Trent Nelson, and the Smoking Ceremony was performed by Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owner Rebecca Phillips.
Judge Johns said it was a great honour to launch the opening of the new Court in partnership with the Bendigo Koori community.
“One of the stated purposes of the County Koori Court is to ensure greater participation of the Aboriginal community in the sentencing process and importantly it is a community lead development,” Judge Johns said.
The process that unfolds provides a unique opportunity for participants to show that they are accountable for the offending, to show remorse, talk about what factors in their life contributed to the offending and explore what options are available to them in regard to rehabilitating.”