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Prison Volunteers Wanted Volunteering With a Difference

Do you have life experience, sound judgement and good communication skills? If so, you are encouraged to apply to volunteer as an Independent Prison Visitor.

An Independent Prison Visitor is required to visit a prison once a month to observe prison routines and to be available to talk to prisoners and staff. Independent Prison Visitors play an important role in maintaining the high standards of Victoria’s prison system.  

Independent Prison Visitors provide independent and objective advice to the Minister for Corrections regarding the operations of the prison they visit.

The Office of Correctional Services Review (Department of Justice) administers the Independent Prison Visitor Scheme on behalf of the Minister.

Want to find out more?

The Office of Correctional Services Review is conducting Public Information Sessions in a number of areas.

Location	Date	Venue	Time
Bendigo	Mon 13 July	Quality Resort All Seasons Bendigo 171-183 McIvor Road, Bendigo	7:30 – 9:00pm
Shepparton	Tue 14 July	Country Comfort Shepparton 481 Wyndham Street, Shepparton	7:30 – 9:00pm
Wangaratta	Wed 15 July	Quality Hotel Gateway Wangaratta 29-37 Ryley Street, Wangaratta	7:30 – 9:00pm
Geelong	Mon 20 July	Four Points by Sheraton 10-14 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong	7:30 – 9:00pm
Ballarat	Tue 21 July	Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre 613 Main Road, Ballarat	7:30 – 9:00pm
Ararat	Wed 22 July	Gum San Conference Centre 31-33 Lambert Street (Western Hwy), Ararat	7:30 – 9:00pm
Sale	Mon 27 July	Sporting Legends Club Inc 233 York Street, Sale	7:30 – 9:00pm
North Melbourne	Wed 29 July	Rydges North Melbourne Cnr Flemington Road & Harker Street, North Melbourne	7:30 – 9:00pm
Forest Hill	Thu 30 July	Clarion Hotel on Canterbury 326 Canterbury Road, Forest Hill	7:30 – 9:00pm

Exclusions

Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible to be an Independent Prison Visitor because of conflicts of interest. Please read carefully the ‘Exclusions’ below to see whether you are eligible to volunteer.

You are ineligible to volunteer as an Independent Prison Visitor if you are currently or have in the previous five years been:

• a person employed or engaged (whether on a paid or voluntary basis) in law enforcement, criminal investigation, the provision of legal services in criminal cases, the administration of justice or penal administration. For example:
  • a judge, magistrate or the holder of other judicial office
  • a member of a police force
  • a bail justice
  • admitted to legal practice in Victoria
• correctional staff
• a member of the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council
• involved in a justice-related community groups
• involved with a prisoner or victim advocate or support groups
• a family member and/or associate of current OCSR staff
• bankrupt
• commercial interest with the corrections industry.

You are also ineligible if you have served a term of imprisonment.