Former Pentridge Prison chaplain says human remains still on site deserve identification

A FORMER chaplain of Pentridge Prison argues that the authorities have dropped the ball on human remains at the former prison.

Pentridge Prison. Picture: Hamish Blair

PENTRIDGE Prison closed in 1996 and was sold within a few years to developers.

Despite the fact ownership has changed hands more than once, it is unjustifiable that despite a condition of sale that the grave sites be recognised, nothing has been done in more than 20 years.

Seven prisoners were executed at Pentridge but close to 100 were executed at the Old Melbourne Gaol and in 1927 many of those remains were transferred to Pentridge.

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This included the remains of Ned Kelly. Fortunately his remains were finally returned to his family members after a long legal battle with one of the developers.

Peter Norden in the panopticon airing yard inside Pentridge

Ronald Ryan, the last man hanged in Australia, was buried at Pentridge and his remains were returned to his three daughters 40 years later.

The remains of at least 40 other prisoners remain at Pentridge.

Graves were dug up at Pentridge in 2008, unearthing the remains of Ned Kelly.

At the time of sale, the then prisons minister directed the graves were to be identified and the area recognised and treated with respect.

This has not occurred at the former Pentridge site to date and it is high time the Victorian Government and Moreland Council step in to ensure it happens as directed.

Professor Peter Norden AO was the Pentridge Prison chaplain from 1985-1992, he will deliver a talk at the Coburg Library meeting room from 1:45pm on July 21, thanks to the Coburg Historical Society. Register to attend here.

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