Victoria’s 15th and most technologically advanced prison, the Ravenhall Correctional Centre, has been officially opened by the Minister for Corrections Gayle Tierney.
Ravenhall, which is equivalent to the size of 16 MCGs and surrounded by a six metre high, 1.7 kilometre long state-of-the-art perimeter wall, will start receiving prisoners in coming weeks.
More than 1,000 cameras will keep a close eye on the medium security facility, which will house 1,000 prisoners, including around 450 inmates on remand.
Located in Melbourne’s West, Ravenhall will be managed by GEO Group Australia under contract to the Victorian Government.
GEO is partnering with Kangan Institute, YMCA and Melbourne City Mission to offer a range of rehabilitation and reintegration programs that will help prepare prisoners for life after release.
The contract contains targets for reducing recidivism rates and the delivery of support programs for prisoners released from custody.
The prison includes a specialised unit to provide dedicated forensic mental health treatment for up to 75 prisoners at a time – more than doubling the current capacity across the prison system.
Forensic mental health services will be provided by Forensicare, who will also support a further 100 prisoners to get the mental health support they need through outpatient services.
The project has provided a major jobs boost for the west, with more than 1450 people employed on site at the peak of construction with many of them working for local companies and subcontractors.
The prison will also employ 700 ongoing staff and will continue to use the local community to supply goods and services.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Gayle Tierney
“The opening of Ravenhall Correctional Centre is an important milestone in our work to keep Victorians safe.”
“The prison will place a strong emphasis on rehabilitation to help offenders break the cycle of crime.”
“Ravenhall is creating extra capacity across our corrections system, accommodating sentenced prisoners and keeping remand prisoners charged with serious offences off the streets.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020