Cootamundra Court Receives a Milestone Makeover

Steph Cooke stands in front of the Cootamundra Court and smiles at the camera.

Cootamundra Courthouse is being given a facelift, 120 years after the foundations were laid for the historic building.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke and Attorney General Mark Speakman said the $220,000 spruce up of the courthouse would include painting of the façade and front fence, landscaping and roof and chimney repairs.

“Cootamundra Courthouse has been an important town landmark for generations and it’s wonderful to see the NSW Government investing in the preservation of this charming building,” Ms Cooke said.

“The improvements are being led by Dice Contracting, an Indigenous owned and operated company, so this work is supporting jobs for local First Nations people.”

“Dice has engaged with Wagga Wagga-based Aboriginal companies to carry out the landscaping and painting, providing a boost for the Riverina economy.”

“They will be using the skills of Wollundry Landscapes who beautifully incorporate cultural elements with functional design, celebrating Indigenous art in the landscape.”

More than 400 local court criminal matters are heard in Cootamundra each year.  Court sittings are held 3-4 times a month, while the registry operates five days a week.

Designed by one of NSW’s most prolific government architects, Walter Liberty Vernon, the courthouse displays elements of Federation Free style architecture. 

Other historic buildings designed by Mr Vernon include the Art Gallery of NSW, Customs House, Central Station as well as many other courts, police stations, fire stations and post offices.

Construction began on Cootamundra Courthouse in 1901, with the building opening in the following year. It replaced a less sophisticated courthouse which had been built in 1879. The courthouse expanded in 1924, with the addition of a classical portico.

Mr Speakman said the current makeover of the courthouse would be completed by the end of June.

“With its distinctive columns and chimneys, Cootamundra Courthouse is among the most visually striking buildings in the Riverina,” Mr Speakman said.

“The repairs and improvements are already starting to take shape and the majestic building will soon be looking its best.”

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