Australia’s largest women’s prison focussing on education, work skills and programs has opened in Sydney.
Minister for Corrections, Anthony Roberts said Dillwynia Correctional Centre at Windsor could now house up to 531 female inmates following a fit-for-purpose 248-bed expansion, which included new outdoor spaces and learning areas.
Mr Roberts said the facility would be focussed on preparing women for a successful life outside prison and to help reduce their chances of reoffending.
“This centre includes increased work opportunities, programs and education, which will help improve an offender’s reintegration once they’re released,” Mr Roberts said.
“The new accommodation, learning rooms and industries areas were created using the concept of ‘trauma-informed’ design principles to support the wellbeing and rehabilitation of women,” he said.
Commissioner of Corrective Services NSW, Peter Severin said the expansion supported Dillwynia’s ‘graduated living’ model, which allowed inmates to remain in a facility for their entire sentence.
“Stability helps inmates complete rehabilitation programs, focus on education and maintain family connections that ultimately reduce reoffending,” Mr Severin said.
He said the upgrades included 248 maximum and medium-security beds; new educational and activities amenities; 73 inmate employment opportunities, including 15 at a new industrial laundry; and a new visitor and inmate processing centre.
