Working on Sunshine – in tune with growing legal need in the western suburbs

Our Western Suburbs Regional Office in Sunshine has officially opened its doors, heralding a new chapter for legal support services in Melbourne’s rapidly growing west.

Located at 12 Clarke St, it is our first office upgrade since the COVID-19 pandemic as we continue the process of transforming all our premises into functional, safe and accessible workplaces that meet the needs of those who use them.  

‘It’s incredibly exciting to be working out of this brand-new space and welcoming visitors after many years in the making, much consultation and COVID delays,’ said Liz Hughes, one of the local regional managers. 

‘We really focused on creating a workspace that not only supports staff to do their best work but is also approachable and welcoming for clients by considering their expectations and diversities. 

‘Importantly, these new premises allow us to adapt our ways of working and expand our team and services which will be critically important as we continue to see the population grow in the west, along with growth in legal need.’ 

Our office in Sunshine services people living across Melbourne’s western suburbs, including Brimbank, Melton and Wyndham, regions that are experiencing some of the highest population booms in the state . 

Already among the most populous local government areas in Victoria, Brimbank, Melton and Wyndham also sit within the top 10 when it comes to the number of residents likely to require legal assistance . 

We are committed to strengthening service delivery across our 15 suburban and regional offices, making it easier for people to access legal and non-legal support, whenever or wherever they need it. 

The Sunshine opening comes as work continues on the Wyndham Law Courts – set to be Victoria’s largest law complex outside of the Melbourne CBD and which will service the western growth corridor. 

Currently under construction next to the Werribee Police Station on Bunurong Country, it will house the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, the Children’s Court, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, along with specialist courts and services. 

The complex, due to open in 2025, is also prioritising people-centred design, using natural light, neutral colours and organic textures to create a calming atmosphere. 

Our Associate Director, Family Violence, Leanne Sinclair said there was growing understanding of the need to create justice services and facilities that place the needs of clients at the centre. 

‘There are only two court rooms in the current Werribee Magistrates’ Court and they are not physically safe or accessible,’ she said. 

‘We are well on our way to creating fully responsive design that uses state-of-the-art technologies, integrates various services and provides the utmost in safety and accessibility, like separate entrances and active monitoring.’ 

A template for adaptive design  

People visiting the Sunshine office will be welcomed in an open reception area designed to reduce stress and encourage harmony using soft colours, greenery, rounded edges and projection lighting. 

Our reception desk allows for wheelchair users to be greeted at their height level. 

‘When people are accessing justice services, it can be a challenging time – if not the most challenging time in their lives – and we want to create environments that are calm and protective,’ said Regional Manager, Western Suburbs Regional Office, Liraz Jedwab 

‘It is a positive move that we’re seeing more widely across the sector and reflects the growing practice of people-centred design.’ 

There are two zoned waiting areas, accessible bathrooms and safe interview rooms, while the open plan staff area accommodates varied ways of working through quiet areas, focus booths and spaces for collaboration.

‘We were all particularly invested in having the design incorporate and celebrate First Nations cultures, which can be seen in the artwork and light fittings, but also across our engagement with various First Nations businesses.’ 

‘We have always been a close-knit team that works hard for our clients and each other, but it is a nice change to also have a work environment that works hard for us,’ said Liraz. 

‘After 22 years at our old Ballarat Rd office, which was in a middle of a heavy commercial area, it’s a welcome shift to be in a space that is modern and polished and encourages collaboration while also offering spaces for us to unwind and decompress.’ 

It has set a benchmark for digital integration and connectivity, elements that will no doubt continue to evolve.

Having gone a thorough consultation and build process, the Sunshine project has given us a template for design concepts and established key partners to work with as we move forward with other office upgrades, with Mildura next on the list. 

More information

Learn more about our regional model refresh.