Neighbourhood Justice Centre

About the Neighbourhood Justice Centre

The Neighbourhood Justice Centre (NJC) in Collingwood is a venue of the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the state’s community justice centre. It hears most summary criminal matters, as well as family violence and personal safety intervention order matters, for people connected to the City of Yarra.

The NJC works differently from other Magistrates’ Courts. One magistrate hears the cases, the hearings are less formal and use plain language, and you sit at the bar table next to your lawyer. It is a problem-solving court: support services for mental health, drug and alcohol use, housing, finances and family violence are on site, and the magistrate can check in on your progress while you are on an order.

Suburbs we cover around the NJC

The NJC hears matters for defendants who live in the City of Yarra, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a close connection to Yarra, and people experiencing homelessness who are alleged to have offended in Yarra. This generally covers Abbotsford, Alphington, Burnley, Carlton North, Clifton Hill, Collingwood, Cremorne, Fairfield, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill and Richmond.

If you do not live in Yarra, your matter is usually listed at another court, often Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, even if the offence is alleged to have happened in Yarra. More serious charges are generally dealt with at Melbourne.

In criminal matters, the “proper venue” is usually the court closest to where the offence is alleged to have happened or where the accused person lives, so your matter may be listed elsewhere. Always check your charge sheet, summons or bail papers.

Getting to the Neighbourhood Justice Centre

The NJC is on Wellington Street in Collingwood. Trams run along Smith Street and Victoria Parade nearby. Parking is limited to 2-hour and 4-hour metered spaces on Wellington and Perry Streets, so allow extra time. Open the Neighbourhood Justice Centre in Google Maps for directions, including public transport.

Meet us before court

You don’t need to come into the city to see us. Book a free video consultation or call (03) 9670 4357, and we will meet you at court on the day of your hearing.

Matters heard at the NJC

• Most summary criminal offences
• Traffic and driving offences
• Bail applications
• Family violence and personal safety intervention orders
• Children’s criminal matters for young people from Yarra

Specialist courts and programs at the NJC

• Problem-solving approach with one magistrate
• On-site support services
• Judicial monitoring of orders
• Children’s Court (Criminal Division) for young people from Yarra

The NJC’s approach is well suited to people whose offending is linked to drugs, alcohol, mental health or housing. We can advise how to make the most of the support available. See Specialist Courts & Lists.

Your first court date

Arrive at least 30 minutes early and bring your charge sheet, summons or bail papers. Check in with the registry and wait to be called. Your first appearance is usually a mention, and the matter can often be adjourned so you can get legal advice, obtain the police brief of evidence, negotiate with police or apply for diversion.

Lawyers appearing at the NJC

Tony Hannebery Lawyers appears at the Neighbourhood Justice Centre for clients facing criminal charges, traffic matters and intervention orders. Our lawyers are Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Criminal Law Specialists, and your first consultation is free.

Have a matter listed at the NJC? Call (03) 9670 4357 or book a free consultation.