State’s newest max-security women’s prison
THE first inmates in the state’s newest maximum-security women’s prison will start arriving next month.
Parramatta
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parramatta . Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE first inmates in the state’s newest maximum-security women’s prison will start arriving next month.
The 94-bed Mary Wade Correctional Centre is the first of three new prisons opening in NSW over the next six months. This site alone will create 100 jobs.
Governor Paula Quarrie was presented the ceremonial keys to the facility last week.
Maximum-security female inmates will be held on remand at the site which was formerly the Juniperina Juvenile Justice Centre.
The reopen has resulted in a number of upgrades including improved perimeter fencing and electronic security.
Minister for Corrections David Elliott and Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin officially opened the facility on Friday.
Mr Elliott said he hoped inmates at the prison would use the opportunity to turn their life around, like the 13-year-old convict Mary Wade, who became a respected member of society.
She was only 11 when she was transported to Australia for her petty crimes in London, aboard Lady Juliana as part of the Second Fleet in 1789. She was the youngest on board.
She married in Liverpool, had 11 children and settled in Airds and later moved to Illawarra.
The other two facilities to open are in Wellington and Cessnock.
Mr Severin said reintegration and support programs would be an important part of the prison’s operation.
“This remand centre will play a vital role in rehabilitating female inmates and maintaining community safety,” he said.
“Our job is to support these women during the court process.”