Courthouse officially opened

The NSW Attorney-General Mr Bob Debus officially opened the $2.7 million dollar extensions to the Woy Woy Courthouse on Wednesday, March 3.

Speaking at the opening, Member for Peats, Ms Marie Andrews said she heard a lot of grumbles that the Peninsula doesn't get any facilities.

"Now we've got one," she said.

She said the decision was made to up grade Woy Woy to a children's court as there were two juvenile justice centres nearby: Baxter at Mt Penang and the Kariong Juvenile Justice centre, a high security facility.

"There was also the land.

"We had a vacant flat block of land beside Woy Woy Court, which made it easier to extend the court," she said.

"It's very close to public transport.

"Not everyone has a car.

"A lot of people have to get to court by public transport."

Ms Marie Andrews said that, while the children's court had heard some cases since it opened in late December, it was not quite fully operations.

"From all accounts, it's going quite well," she said.

"It's the most up-to-date court in the State."

Mr Debus said the facility would provide access to a wide range of justice services and form part of a network of courts at Gosford and Wyong servicing the Central Coast

"The Children's Court of NSW will be the primary user of this new facility and as such will deal with juvenile matters in an environment specifically tailored for younger people who, for various reasons, may come into contact with the court.

"These include the difficult abuse and neglect cases as well as catering for juvenile offenders on the Central Coast."

Mr Debus said enhancements of the original courthouse built in 1972 included purpose-built facilities for witnesses, families, victims of crime and the legal profession.

"The multi-million dollar extensions include improvements to custodial facilities, with a secure van dock, safe holding rooms and interview rooms for people in custody," he said.

"A remote witness room will also ensure that a vulnerable witness, such as a child victim of sexual assault, will be able to give evidence from a secure location.

"Video link connections to juvenile detention centres and adult prisons will also be available.

"I am told that it is the little touches that matter, particularly when designing a children's court.

"Sensitively designed and furnished rooms for children and families to attend interviews and conferences, safe and comfortable areas for those who have been exposed to domestic violence, well appointed facilities for mothers and babies, and fenced external play areas have all been incorporated into the finished product.

Press releases, March 4