Oberon, Dawn De Loas prisons to temporarily close, parts of South Coast, Bathurst, Long Bay to shut

Correctional officers across NSW have been notified of a shock decision to close multiple prisons across the state. See which centres will be closed.

Multiple correctional centres across NSW are set to close for at least seven months — with inmates and officers set to be “consolidated” into remaining prisons, Corrective Services commissioner Kevin Corcoran has revealed.

On Friday afternoon, correctional officers were informed that a major reduction in prison populations at NSW prisons, and the addition of 374 new recruits as part of Project 800, would result in the full or partial closure of several centres.

The commissioner revealed Oberon and Dawn De Loas correctional centres would be shut entirely, while areas within Long Bay Hospital, South Coast and Bathurst correctional centres will be “decanted on a short-term basis to also enable staff to be consolidated within these centres”.

Commissioner of Corrective Services NSW, Kevin Corcoran. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Taylor

“Over the past two years the prison population has reduced to approximately 12,500,” the commissioner said to staff. “and there are around 15,750 operational beds.”

The commissioner said the temporary closure would be in place until June 2023.

“Over the coming days, relevant senior staff, including our HR Business Partner, will provide more information,” he told staff. “This information will include temporary placement options for staff at Oberon and Dawn De Loas Correctional Centres.

“Please be assured that there are no staff reductions and this is a temporary, short-term measure.”

view of Oberon Correctional Centre in NSW.

Inside Bathurst Correctional Centre. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Regarding Oberon Correctional Centre, Mr Corcoran said the prison would be “temporarily closed after the current Young Adult Offender Program cohort has concluded”.

“During the period without inmates, existing contracts will be maintained and works release will continue through different arrangements,” he said.

Inside the older section of the Bathurst Correctional Centre. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“Dawn De Loas Correctional Centre will be temporarily closed, and the existing industries and Silverwater maintenance team will be maintained through inmates being transported from an alternative location.

“This will enable almost 70 staff to assist within the metropolitan area.

“I understand that this may cause some anxiety and appreciate it will impact on many areas (including) placement and transport, prison industries, education, program and service provision.

“We will provide information and support to affected staff and their families throughout this process.”

A Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman said the move would allow for better centre management, and rushed to put staff at ease.

Dawn De Loas Correctional Centre at Silverwater. Picture : Toby Zerna

“The decision to temporarily close Oberon and Dawn De Loas correctional centres, as well as sections of Long Bay Hospital, South Coast and Bathurst correctional centres, will allow us to consolidate inmates and better manage critical officer shortages,” the spokeswoman said.

“We understand the short-term changes may cause some anxiety, and we’ll continue to support affected staff and their families throughout the process.”

The spokeswoman added there would be no disruption to the existing works and community programs at Oberon.

“The temporary closure will provide the opportunity to complete necessary infrastructure improvements including building repairs, an upgrade of the centre’s roads, and a technology upgrade to support the use of in-cell tablets,” she said.

“The in-cell technology upgrade involves access to inmate accommodation areas and is best done while the centre is vacant.”