The New South Wales Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections, Anthony Roberts officially opened the new 480-bed maximum security wing at Junee Correctional Centre in December.
Part of the NSW Government’s $3.8 billion investment in safer communities, the expansion includes accommodation areas as well as activities and services infrastructure, a purpose-built administration building, and new gatehouse.
Minister Roberts was joined by Cootamundra Member of Parliament Steph Cooke and Corrective Services NSW Assistant Commissioner Carlo Scasserra at a ceremonial centre-keys handover with centre General Manager Scott Brideoake.
“Junee Correctional Centre is one of the biggest employers in the Riverina and its expansion has led to an additional 130 ongoing jobs in the area and a continuing investment in the region,” Mr. Roberts said.
“The new modern wing will enhance the Centre’s strong reputation in reducing reoffending through improved inmate access to education, programs and training.”
The new jobs created include positions for 116 correctional officers and supervisors, as well as, 14 medical and cultural support staff.
Steph Cooke said the construction project had already made a positive contribution to the Wagga Wagga and Junee economies.
“At the peak of construction there were between 250 to 300 tradies working on site to ensure the new centre wing was delivered on time and on budget. During that time, they were shopping, eating and staying locally,” she said.
Carlo Scasserra said the new wing would strengthen the Centre’s focus on inmate rehabilitation.
“A dedicated new industries building with bakery, laundry and other operations will ensure inmates are readily employed and learning skills to prepare them for life on the outside,” he said.
The expansion also includes a new K9 Unit and two ovals.
Scott Brideoake said the project included many benefits for staff and inmates.
“We welcome the refurbishment and expansion of our gatehouse, health centre, inmate reception and administration building to make a better workplace,” he said.
Work will continue into next year, with the refurbishment of support areas within the existing centre and construction of a new 10-bed Female Unit.
The new wing takes Junee Correctional Centre’s capacity to about 1300.
The expansion mirrors the existing design and adds four accommodation units including one for remand inmates. It significantly increases Junee’s operational flexibility by offering a ‘surge capacity’ from 480 to 720 inmates.
The centre currently employs nearly 360 staff with about half of those living in the local area. It also invests heavily in the local community, contributing over $10 million annually through local purchasing, donations, scholarships, sponsorships and charity work.
“We are very proud of being a major employer in the region and being recognised by the local community as a good neighbour,” said Scott Brideoake.“Junee Correctional Centre is dedicated to reducing reoffending through education and vocational training and to supporting successful reintegration back into the community.
“We are confident that this expansion and the recruitment of additional staff in rehabilitation, reintegration, health and other support roles will enhance our capacity to deliver on this commitment.”
The GEO Group Australia has successfully managed Junee Correctional Centre on behalf of the NSW government for over 26 years.
