Old Grafton Gaol: NSW Government opens EOIs for section of prison as former governor speaks out

One of the state’s most notorious and historic prisons – once home to some of Australia’s most violent crooks – has been given a new lease on life, but its former governor isn’t thrilled.

John Heffernan about to begin work as Grafton Jail governor in 2003. PHOTO: THE DAILY EXAMINER.

An individual or business could soon be handed the keys to a section of one of the state’s most infamous prisons, which once held the likes of notorious escape artist Darcy Dugan and rapist-murderer Len Lawson – the ‘comic book killer’.

But not everybody is thrilled about the idea, including the legendary last governor of the jail John Heffernan.

The state government is inviting businesses, community organisations and individuals to announce their interest in acquiring the historic portion of the old Grafton Gaol.

Former Grafton Jail governor John Heffernan says NSW parole system no longer keeps community safe

First built in 1893, the old Grafton jail is a landmark and a defining feature of the northern NSW town for more than a century, serving as a source of employment, a cultural touchstone and tourist attraction.

The old Grafton gaol is a key part of Grafton’s history.

It closed its gates in 2020 and was largely replaced by the $800 million Clarence Correctional Centre, currently run by the private company Serco, at Lavadia, south east of Grafton.

Around this time, the council also knocked back an offer to purchase the entire site because it did not have the means to run the historic asset.

Since then, the jail has been split into four different sections — one quarter is run by the health department and a further two portions of the 4.4 hectare site was transferred to the Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Last December, Clarence Valley Council tested the waters to see if there is a possibility of purchasing the heritage precinct of the jail when it is put to the open market by the state government.

Aerial view of the new privately-run Clarence Correctional Centre at Lavadia. Picture: Serco.

Mr Heffernan described the prison as “lifeblood of Grafton back in the day”.

“It’s very disappointing to see that it’s going for sale (because) it has got a lot of history to it,” he said.

However, he also said similar jail transformations had been carried out in Victoria and he was happy the site was heritage-listed because destroying it would be “a travesty”.

While Mr Heffernan had many fond memories of the staff who worked there, he said the jail had a dark past.

“Problem” inmates were sent there to be disciplined in the 1940s to 1960s, until a royal commission was launched in the 1970s.

“The incalcitrant prisoners … were ‘straightened out’ from the gate onwards and when they got to their cell they were pretty much bashed again and made to conform,” he said.

“If you treat people like animals, they will act like animals.”

In 2013, Mr Heffernan’s self-penned a book – The Last Governor Diaries – about his life in corrective services and his association with the colourful and historic prison.

Former Grafton Gaol governor John Heffernan outside his former office at the original Grafton Gaol in 2022.

In a new chapter of the jail’s history, Property and Development NSW (PDNSW), alongside investment management company Colliers, are inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) in the old Grafton Gaol’s historical section.

The subject area, which sits on the southeastern corner of the site at Hoof St, includes a central courtyard, three cell blocks, a guard station, amenities block, reception area and the Governor’s office.

According to a statement from the NSW Department of Planning, the EOI campaign is looking for pitches into the “adaptive reuse” of the heritage buildings to boost local economic growth.

Grafton locals picketing the entrance to the jail when plans were announced to scale down the number of prisoners it held.

Steve Kamper, the Minister for Lands and Property, described this announcement as a “wonderful opportunity” to help shape the gaol’s future and bring economic growth to Grafton.

“Heritage and community outcomes are at the heart of this EOI process,” Mr Kamper said.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong. Picture: David Swift.

“This was the same principle of our agreement with Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council to bring new economic opportunities for the Aboriginal community and this region, and this EOI will further deliver new life for this iconic place.”

While the Minister for Corrections, Anoulack Chanthivong, described Grafton as a town which is “rightly proud” of its long history “in our state’s corrective services system”.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to reimagine the gaol for the future,” he said.

The EOI campaign will close on April 24, 2024.