A feel-good Easter gathering brought together staff and participants from the treatment courts to enjoy traditional kite making, fish cakes, hot cross buns and camaraderie.

The annual function in the Botanical Gardens was held under the direction of Maxanne Anderson, the senior magistrate.

It joined the mental health treatment court and the drug and DUI treatment court with the newly piloted juvenile treatment court programmes.

Ms Anderson said the goal was to bring comprehensive support to people whose mental health and substance use have influenced their offending behaviour.

The programme is run as an alternative to incarceration, with each court focused on reducing recidivism, protecting the community, and provide an integrated continuum of care, supervision and treatment.

Ms Anderson said the Easter Event helped to build social and communication skills.

It also delivers “culturally appropriate activities, and increasing community involvement”.

Ms Anderson thanked sponsors along with all who attended.