The Andrews Labor Government has appointed an independent chair and established a Community Advisory Group to help guide development of the new youth justice centre at Cherry Creek.
The CEO of Avalon Airport Justin Giddings will chair the 15-member Youth Justice Redevelopment Project Community Advisory Group, which will meet for the first time on 19 June.
Mr Giddings was appointed as Avalon Airport CEO in 2008 and holds a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University. He is already deeply involved in his community, serving as Chair of the board of The Gordon and as a board member of the Committee for Geelong.
Four community representatives have been appointed to the group following a competitive expression of interest process, as well as three Wyndham City Councillors and one council officer.
These representatives will use their local connections to share information about the project with the Wyndham community and provide feedback from community members to the Youth Justice Redevelopment Project team and the Government.
The local indigenous community, Victoria Police and staff from the Department of Justice and Regulation will also be represented on the Community Advisory Group.
The Youth Justice Redevelopment Project is scheduled to open in early 2021, with work underway to appoint a principal consultant.
The Labor Government is providing $288 million for the new high security centre, which will include an intensive supervision unit, 224 beds for remand and sentenced clients and a mental health unit.
As part of the project the Government is also planning to consult with stakeholders with expertise across the youth justice system.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“Justin Giddings is heavily involved in his local community and an excellent candidate to lead this vital Community Advisory Group.”
“I look forward to working with the group and the community in delivering the most secure youth justice facility ever built in this state.”
Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“We said we would listen to the people of Wyndham and this appointment shows we are doing exactly that.”
Quotes attributable to Youth Justice Redevelopment Project Community Advisory Group Chair Justin Giddings
“I am honoured to chair this important community group, and to ensure the people of Wyndham are heard.”
“I will be working closely with all the members of the Community Advisory Group to make the Youth Justice Redevelopment Project a success in Wyndham.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020