A six-metre high, 1.7-kilometre wall surrounds Victoria’s newest prison at Ravenhall.
The Ravenhall Correctional Centre will start receiving prisoners in coming weeks following its official opening last Thursday.
More than 1000 cameras will keep a close watch over 1000 prisoners, including about 450 inmates on remand.
The medium-security facility will be managed by GEO Group Australia under contract to the Victorian government.
Corrections Minister Gayle Tierney said that the opening of the prison was an important milestone in keeping Victorians safe.
“The prison will place a strong emphasis on rehabilitation to help offenders break the cycle of crime,” she said.
The prison includes a specialised unit to provide dedicated forensic mental health treatment for up to 75 prisoners at a time – more than doubling the current capacity across the prison system.
The Kangan Institute, YMCA and Melbourne City Mission will offer a range of rehabilitation and reintegration programs to help prepare prisoners for life after release.
Forensic mental health services will be provided by Forensicare, supporting a further 100 prisoners through the mental health support they need through outpatient services.
