Down an unassuming laneway on the fringe of Ballarat in regional Victoria, stands a slate grey building that's shielded from prying eyes by a towering electric fence.
Once signed in by the friendly security guard, we meet the group of forensic scientists who are the beating heart of this high-tech facility.In contrast to the building's steely exterior, the scientists are welcoming and excited to lift the veil on the work they do, which is usually shrouded in mystery.
The Ballarat hub's manager, Erin Pirie, says staff use an innovative, multi-disciplinary approach to forensic testing.