Graeme Henson was simply ‘Mr Henson, law clerk’ when he walked into Wollongong courthouse in 1969 as a fledgling lawyer at the beginning of his legal career.
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Almost 50 years on and now carrying the title of ‘Chief Magistrate of the NSW Local Court’, Judge Henson returned to his old stomping ground on Tuesday to open the newly refurbished Wollongong courthouse.
And it’s clear he hasn’t forgotten his roots.
“I was born in Wollongong Hospital, went to Corrimal High School and started working in the old courthouse,” he said during a speech to assembled dignitaries and representatives from the region’s premier law firms.
“So this is my second official opening of Wollongong courthouse, separated by 47 years. I don’t think I’ll be around for the next one.”
NSW Attorney General Gabrielle Upton, District Court judge Paul Conlon and local law society president Martin Culleton joined Judge Henson in officially opening the refurbished complex, thanking staff, lawyers and the community for their patience during its 18 month closure.
The $17.5 million upgrade includes a new entry and foyer area, new jury facilities, eight additional interview rooms, a ‘safe’ room for domestic violence victims, and two remote witness rooms for sexual assault and child victims to give evidence without having to step inside the courtroom.
Ms Upton said the upgrade would serve Wollongong’s expanding population well into the future.
“This courthouse is now one of the largest and most technologically innovative local, district and supreme court houses in regional NSW,” she said.
“The upgrade uses new technology and smart design to deliver fast, fair and accessible justice services for the Wollongong and Illawarra communities.”
However, a few design flaws have been identified in the refurbished building, including Legal Aid solicitors being forced to interview multiple clients in one room without privacy, and computer monitors obstructing the magistrate’s view of lawyers in one courtroom.