Female inmates want hairdryers in jail to look good for court

Women at a Sydney maximum security jail are calling on prison authorities to supply hairdryers in their cells to be able to look “presentable”.

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Women at a Sydney maximum security jail are calling on prison authorities to supply hairdryers in their cells to be able to look “presentable”.

The women, who are on remand at the maximum security Mary Wade Correctional Centre in Lidcombe, want to be able to blow dry their hair for their court appearances.

Corrective Services NSW is considering the request but has raised both concerns at the impact on the prison power supply and security.

Mary Wade Correctional Centre inmates want hairdryers to blow dry their hair for court appearances. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Mary Wade Security Manager Brian Gurney said while he appreciated the women wanted to look “presentable” when in public, he said there were also safety issues to be considered.

“Hairdryers are a big issue,” he said.

“The problem we have is this centre wasn’t built to cater for TV’s and airconditioning and to add hairdryers, the wiring can’t cope.

“Airconditioning is needed because the inmates can’t open the windows in their cells. To add hairdryers to the mix … we might be able to put one on the wall, but then there is a safety issue to be considered as it could be used to light cigarettes.”

The issue has been raised several times during the monthly meeting of the Inmate Development Committee, which comprises prison officers, a chaplain, the head of rehabilitation programs and representatives for both the department and Corrections Minister David Elliott.

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The committee recently approved a boxing bag for the gym, to encourage women to be active while also giving an output for aggression.

With many of the women being mothers, the committee also agreed to host a Christmas party on the prison grounds for the 40 or so children of the inmates.

The prison supplied fairy bread, with children also given a gift bag.

One of the cells inside Mary Wade Correctional Centre. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Similar inmate committees operate at other jails, with inmates recommending representatives to the governor who has the final say on who is selected.

Like school, the committee delegates serve as “buddies” for new prisoners, showing them around upon arrival while participating in the induction program.

The delegates are also charged with alerting officers to any prison crises, such as an inmate grappling with mental health issues.

Minutes are taken of the meetings, which run to a set agenda.

Prison officials don’t think they have enough power for hairdryers. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The Corrective Services Custodial Operations Policy and Procedures document said the committees helped inmates resolves issues affecting their imprisonment directly with senior management.

“The Inmate Development Committee (IDC) is a body of inmates that meets with

management to discuss problems and concerns about inmate services, programs

and activities within the correctional centre,” it said.