Corrective Services and the Attorney General’s Department have congratulated Superintendent Sue Rowley (pictured right with Wandoo Manager, Peta Hughes) and her team on the successes of Wandoo Rehabilitation Prison in its first two years of operation,
Marking its second birthday, the facility has seen more than 100 women graduate from its program, 52 of whom are now in the community having successfully completed or are working toward completion of their parole.
The facility plays a key role in breaking the cycle of addiction-related crime.
Director General of the Department of the Attorney General, Adam Tomison said the Department was highly aware of the correlation between drug use and crime and that it was a significant issue confronting the justice system.
“There are many inspirational stories of hope and fresh starts here at Wandoo and it’s fantastic to see so many of our graduates have managed to stay on the straight and narrow following their release,” Dr Tomison said.
“In their exit interviews many of the women commended the facility for keeping drugs and contraband out and said it made them feel safe and secure.”
Commissioner for Corrective Services, Tony Hassall applauded the facility’s achievements saying the State’s unique standard for women in prison was leading the way in Australia.
“We have impressed senior leaders from Canberra with our innovative philosophy, which is no longer male-centric and acknowledges the need for good gender-based responses to the special needs of women in custody,” Commissioner Hassall said.
