VWCCS Victims & Witnesses of Crime Court Support

VWCCS was honoured to mark its 20th Anniversary at an Afternoon Tea held at Government House on 12 February 2026, hosted by our Patron, Her Excellency the Hon. Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales.
The occasion brought together volunteers, Board members, partners and stakeholders to reflect on two decades of service, during which VWCCS has supported 27,335 victims and witnesses and assisted 279,437 people through our Reception and Information Desks.
We are grateful for Her Excellency’s continued support and patronage, and for the contributions of all those who have shaped VWCCS over the past 20 years.

🎉 Celebrating 20 Years of VWCCS (2006–2026) 🎉
In 2026, VWCCS marks 20 years of supporting victims and witnesses through the justice system.
Over the past two decades, VWCCS has:
– Supported 27,335 victims and witnesses
– Assisted 279,437 people through our Reception & Information Desks
– Delivered services across 4 courts
– Been supported by a dedicated volunteer workforce, currently 120 strong
Each year, our volunteers contribute approximately 7,000 hours of support—ensuring people are informed, supported and not alone at court.
This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the compassion, professionalism and commitment that has defined VWCCS for 20 years, and to thank everyone who has contributed to this work.

📸 Volunteer Photographer Wanted 📸
We’re looking for a volunteer photographer to help capture a special milestone — our 20th Anniversary Celebration!
🗓 Thursday 12 February
⏰ 2:00–3:30pm
📍 Government House
This is a wonderful opportunity to photograph a meaningful event in a beautiful setting. If you (or someone you know) would be happy to donate your time and talent, we’d love to hear from you.
Please get in touch via email: [email protected].
Thank you for helping us celebrate 20 years! 🎉

Send a message to learn more

⭐ Volunteer with VWCCS at the Downing Centre or Parramatta Courts! ⭐

Help people feel safe, supported, and less alone at court.
VWCCS is recruiting Reception & Information Desk (R&ID) Volunteers to welcome court attendees and support victims and witnesses.

✨ What You’ll Do
* Be the first friendly face people meet
* Provide directions and information
* Support victims and police witnesses with calm, respectful engagement
* Liaise with police and court staff when needed

✨ What We’re Looking For
* Warm, confident communicators
* A commitment to one morning per week (8:30am–11am)
* A current WWCC
* A respectful, non‑judgmental approach

✨ Why Join Us?
Make a real impact, gain experience in justice support, and be part of a caring, purpose‑driven volunteer team.

📧 Apply now: Send your resume + a short note on why you’d like to volunteer to [email protected]. More info: vwccs.org.au

We welcome First Nations people and people with a disability to apply.

Send a message to learn more

Thanks so much to Paul and Janelle from Mirri Mirri for delivering First Nations Responsiveness and Safety Training with our volunteers at Redfern and the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE).
This training strengthens our commitment to cultural safety, respect, and inclusive practice across all our services.

The ABC has highlighted calls for independent representation for sexual violence survivors. While VWCCS cannot provide legal advice, our volunteers are present at courts including the Downing Centre, Parramatta, and Newcastle to offer trauma‑informed, in‑court support. This assistance helps reduce distress and re‑traumatisation, ensuring survivors feel supported with dignity and care.

👉 Read more: [ABC News article](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-25/calls-for-independent-representative-sexual-violence-victims/106045528?utm_source=abc_news_web&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link)

Send a message to learn more

Thanks so much to Dr Hannah Tonkin, the Women's Safety Commissioner at NSW Department of Communities and Justice for presenting at our August Quarterly Training Day. Volunteers were so impressed by her busy agenda and achievement to date, particularly involving coercive control legislation introduced last year.


Find out more about coercive control here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/coercive-control

Court Support Continues During Downing Centre Repairs 🏛️

While the Downing Centre building undergoes essential repairs, our dedicated team remains committed to providing court support where it’s needed most.

🟣 The District Court Team has continued to offer support across various courts around Sydney since the temporary closure began.
🟣 This week, the Local Court Team resumes operations from John Maddison Tower (JMT).

Please note that our services in Parramatta and Newcastle remain unaffected.

We’re proud of the resilience and adaptability shown by our volunteers during this time, and we thank you for your continued trust.

If you or someone you know is attending court and would benefit from support, don’t hesitate to reach out. 💜

Send a message to learn more

🌿 Celebrating NAIDOC Week | 6–13 July 2025 🌿

This NAIDOC Week, VWCCS proudly joins communities across the country in celebrating the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week is a time for all Australians to reflect, learn, and honour the oldest continuous living cultures on earth. It’s an opportunity to deepen our understanding of First Nations histories and to stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

We encourage everyone to take part in local events, listen to stories, and celebrate the strength and resilience of First Nations peoples. Whether it’s through art, music, ceremony, or conversation—every moment of connection matters.

📅 NAIDOC Week: 6–13 July 2025
📍 Find local events and more information at [naidoc.org.au](https://www.naidoc.org.au)

Let’s walk together in celebration, recognition, and respect. 🖤💛❤️

National Volunteer Week 2025: Celebrating the Heart of VWCCS

This National Volunteer Week, we proudly recognize and celebrate the extraordinary dedication of our VWCCS volunteers—compassionate individuals who stand beside victims and witnesses of crime, providing essential court support during some of the most difficult times in their lives.

Our volunteers are the heart of VWCCS. With empathy, strength, and resilience, they offer guidance, comfort, and a steady presence to those navigating the justice system. Their commitment ensures no one has to face court alone.

Thank you to each and every one of our volunteers. Your work uplifts our communities, empowers individuals, and embodies the true spirit of service. We are deeply grateful for all that you do.

Our 2025 Induction and Training Program for 23 new Court Support Officers kicked off yesterday. NSW Attorney General launched the program, thanking the new volunteers for the important work they are about to undertake.
Our sincere thanks to for so generously hosting us once again!!