Hearing Locations: Portland

Location details

Portland Magistrates' Court

67 Cliff Street

Portland, VIC 3305

General VCAT enquiries

Phone: 1300 01 8228

For email addresses, see the Contact Us page.

Office hours

Monday to Wednesday 9 am to 4 pm

Public transport

We recommend you use the PTV Journey Planner to plan your trip by public transport.

Distance from public transport

Public buses are available in front of the Portland Library. This is around the corner from the Portland Magistrates' Court on the corner of Cliff and Bentinck street.

Parking

Public car parking is available in front of the court.

Facilities

Facilities at this venue include:

Telephone conferences
Security

If you need to use telephone conferencing or if your case requires security send us a request in writing before your hearingThe time and place at which VCAT hears the parties argue their case and makes a decision. so we can make sure the service is available on the day of your hearing.

Even if you make an application in time, we cannot guarantee that the services you applied for will be available.

See our policy on photography, recording, mobile phones and electronic devices at VCAT

What to expect on hearing day

Arrive at your hearingThe time and place at which VCAT hears the parties argue their case and makes a decision. at least 15 minutes early. If you arrive late there may be orders made against you.
Both sides have a right to a fair hearing and it is the memberA person who hears and decides cases at VCAT. Some members are specialists in particular areas of law. ’s job to make sure that happens. The member explains what to do as the case goes along.
All our hearings are open to the public except if the member orders them closed. We only arrange for a hearing to be private in exceptional circumstances.
When your case is called move into the hearing room and make sure you are ready to present your case.
Make sure your mobile devices are on silent or switched off.
If you are the applicantThe person or organisation applying to VCAT. (the person who first applied to VCAT), you should take a seat at the right hand end of the long table facing the VCAT member’s bench.
If you are the respondentThe party against whom orders or relief is sought by an applicant. (the other partyA person or organisation directly involved in a VCAT case, including a person or organisation that has brought the case before VCAT or who is defending claims made against them. ), you should take a seat on the left hand end.
Any people attending with you or any witnesses should sit directly behind either the applicant or respondent.
Stand when the VCAT member enters the room. Remain standing until invited by the member to sit.
If the VCAT member is in the room when you arrive, remain standing until you are invited to sit.
Everyone must be polite and treat others in the hearing with courtesy and respect.
You can call a member ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’. If their name appears on the table in front of them you may also call them 'Ms' or 'Mr' and their family name.
You and your witnesses may be asked to make a formal promise to tell the truth in the hearing by making an oathA solemn promise made before God or a deity to tell the truth. It can be made using a religious text such as a Bible, Tanach or Koran, but does not require one. or affirmationA solemn promise to tell the truth. .
Remember to take all your belongings and papers with you at the end of the hearing.
Collect a copy of the order from the VCAT counter.

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