When Tracy Jones started working at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre 16 years ago, there were 150 female prisoners.
There are now 400 inmates, upgraded facilities, and some serious investment has gone into recidivism reduction programs.
“Infrastructure is a big one, but also the culture of the prison has changed a lot,” Ms Jones says.
“We’ve become more focused on case management systems – working closer with women and engaging more with women, to reduce the re-offending.”
Ms Jones started at Ravenhall as an administration officer a week after the state government took over the state’s first privately built and operated prison, in October 2000 – four years after it opened.
She is now the general manager there, and says she is always working on ways to improve the prison system.
She says programs are successful, with good attendance and completion rates.
“Obviously, we have women who come back to the [criminal justice] system, but for a lot of our women, if we can address their housing, mental health, drug or alcohol, domestic violence situation … and help them make better choices … we’re contributing towards a safer community,” she says.
The women’s prison is one of the largest employers in Melbourne’s west, with more than 300 staff. Major expansions are under way, including space for an extra 150 beds, a new medical centre, another kitchen and prison industries.
The state government announced last week it would commit $3.6 million for a therapeutic domestic violence program and sexual assault counselling at the centre.
Corrections Commissioner Jan Shuard said the women’s prison system was “constantly evolving”.
“[This] ensures we are well placed to meet the changing profile of women in custody,” Ms Shuard said.
“The staff at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre have embraced these challenges.
“I am very proud of their consistently high standard of work over the past two decades.”
Corrections Minister Steve Herbert said the 20th anniversary of the centre was a “significant milestone”. He congratulated staff for the “great work” they do.
