What to expect

On this page

Before you arrive

What you can bring

All of our venues have the same rules for how to prepare for a hearing and what you bring.

How to get ready for your hearing

Everyone who comes to our venues goes through a security screening process. This helps keep everyone safe by stopping entry of items that could cause injury to another person.

What you can’t bring

Please carefully review the list of items you can’t bring:

  • food or drinks – there are vending machines inside the venue
  • any sharp object, including cutlery
  • alcohol or illegal substances
  • tools
  • glass bottles
  • weapons
  • lighters
  • pets.

Bringing others for support

You can bring someone with you for support. This support person could be anyone you choose, including a friend or family member.

If you're attending a hearing, your support person can’t usually speak on your behalf, but they can help explain what you need. For example, your support person can help ask for a break.

When you arrive

Entrance and way out

Our entrance is at Railway Terrace (Geelong Magistrates' Court).

The way out is through the same entrance at Railway Terrace.

Safety and security

To enter our venue, you will have to go through a security screening.

We also have full-time security officers throughout the venue and duress alarms in all hearing rooms.

Photography and filming

We have rules about what devices you can use at our venues and in hearings.

Photography and filming information for the general public

Photography and filming information for media representatives

Get help

If you need help on the day of your visit, you can speak to a staff member at service counter 1 or 2 on the ground level.

Find a hearing

To find a hearing, you will have to:

  • arrive at Railway Terrace (Geelong Magistrates' Court)
  • go through the security screening process
  • find your hearing location by talking to a staff member at service counter 1 or 2.

VCAT hearings are usually located in hearing rooms 8 and 9.

While you wait

Our hearing rooms have a waiting area outside with seating. There are also female, male, and accessible toilets.

Ground level

You can find:

  • building entrance
  • security screening with security officers
  • service counters
  • hearing rooms 8 and 9 (where VCAT hearings are usually located)
  • waiting area with seating
  • female, male, and accessible toilets.

After a hearing

Document collection

In your hearing, the member may direct you to collect documents.

If you need to collect a document, please ask a VCAT staff member for assistance or visit the service counter on the ground level.

Legal help and support

We can’t give you legal advice, but there are other organisations that may help.

Find organisations that may help