Bandyup Women’s Prison will mark 50 years of operation tomorrow, in conjunction with National Corrections Day.
The Swan Valley facility first opened its doors to women prisoners in 1970 - in response to overcrowding at Fremantle Prison - and was first called the “Bandyup Training Centre”.
In 1983, the name was changed to “Bandyup Women’s Prison” and, at that time, the facility was the only maximum security women’s prison in WA.
Today, it houses maximum, medium and minimum security women prisoners and has a mother and babies unit for up to 12 women.
“It’s impressive to see how the management of women prisoners has changed over the years, with a key focus on the delivery of gender and culturally appropriate services to women in prison,” Corrective Services Commissioner Tony Hassall said.
Bandyup Women’s Prison houses 288 of the State’s 781 female prisoners. (16/01/2020)
“It’s fitting to be marking Bandyup’s 50th on National Corrections Day. The staff should be proud of their ongoing dedication and professionalism towards the rehabilitation of women prisoners,” Mr Hassall said.
