Inmate Wayne Green dies at Parklea Correctional Centre, sparking protest

An inmate has died in custody at a major Sydney correctional centre, sparking a protest from his cell mates who allege the man suffered for days before his death. Here’s what we know.

An inmate has died at Parklea Correctional Centre in Western Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

An inmate has died in custody at a major Sydney correctional centre sparking a protest from his cell mates who allege the man suffered for days before his death.

The Saturday Telegraph understands Indigenous man Wayne Green, 41, died on Friday after being taken to hospital from Parklea Correctional Centre due to medical complications.

According to police Mr Green died during the night, leading inmates inside his cell to organise a protest over his death on Saturday morning.

It is understood the men barricaded their wing to gain the attention of management, who attended the protest and held a discussion with the group, resulting in an agreement to return to a lockup.

Visits to Parklea were cancelled and outbound calls were previously cut off by administration at the centre before the protest finished.

A protest was held at Parklea Correctional Centre on Saturday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Family members of a man inside the pod who was friends with Mr Green claimed the group of inmates were protesting against what they claim was a lack of medical attention in the week leading up to his death.

One of the family members, speaking on a condition of anonymity, claimed the prison had not done enough to care for Mr Green according to his cell mates.

Mr Green was taken to hospital and died on Friday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

“They are serving these sentences and doing their time but it should be done humanely … he had been begging for help,” the family member claimed.

It is understood Mr Green was seen by medical professionals every day in the lead up to his death.

NSW Police said emergency services were called to the prison at about 11.20am on Friday following “reports of an inmate requiring medical assistance”.

“A 41-year-old man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Blacktown Hospital, and then transferred to Westmead Hospital for further treatment,” the statement read.

“Initial inquiries have led police to believe the man’s death is not suspicious. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.”

MTC said the inmates conducted a “peaceful protest”. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Parklea Correctional Centre is privately-run by Management and Training Corp (MTC) Australia but will be brought back into state government hands by October 2026.

An MTC spokeswoman confirmed Mr Green died at Westmead at about 9.55pm on Friday.

“MTC extends our sympathies to his family, friends and the wider Aboriginal community,” the spokeswoman said.

“We are working with Corrective Services NSW and NSW Police, who investigate all deaths in custody regardless of the circumstances.

“As the matter will be subject to a coronial inquest, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Addressing the incident on Saturday, the spokeswoman said the group of inmates

“conducted a peaceful protest” in response to Mr Green’s death.

“After a period of negotiation, the majority of inmates were voluntarily secured in their cells. A small number of inmate representatives then spoke with centre management,” the spokeswoman said.

“At about 12.30pm, inmates were released from their cells, and normal routine recommenced.

“There were no injuries to staff or inmates during the incident, and nothing was damaged.”

Got a tip? Email: [e-mail]