Amanda Cirillo is soon to spend an evening behind bars in one of Melbourne’s most infamous prisons.
The 23-year-old Taylors Lakes resident will give up the comforts of freedom in exchange for a night in the Old Melbourne Gaol on Friday, May 25.
But unlike many of the prison’s former occupants, Ms Cirillo hasn’t committed a crime – in fact, she’s doing it all for a good cause.
Ms Cirillo is taking part in Whitelion’s annual Bail Out, in which up to 250 people will be locked up to raise money to support at-risk young people.
On the day, Ms Cirillo will hand in her possessions, be given a prison uniform and then fingerprinted and photographed before experiencing interrogations and court proceedings in the lead-up to cell time.
While happy to help a good cause, Ms Cirillo admits to feeling some nerves.
“I’m a little nervous about it – I’m not sure if I’m tough enough to spend an evening behind bars,” she said. “Being in a cell by myself, without a phone and outside contact, isn’t something I’m used to.
“But it’s also going to give me a greater appreciation of what I have – so many young people find themselves in these scary situations in real life.”
Ms Cirillo will be relying on the support of her friends and family to earn her freedom, rather than strong legal council.
“Bail is set at $1000,” she said. “If we make bail by 9.30 on the night, then we get to go to a parole party.
“I’m not sure what happens if we don’t make bail.”
To help Ms Cirillo earn her freedom and support the cause, visit: bit.ly/2IqVNDW.
