The former Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre has been converted into a temporary community residential facility, to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The facility provides short-term, last resort, accommodation for men exiting the prison system, with all residents assessed for risk, and 24/7 security and supervision provided on site.
Overview
As we work to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the former immigration detention centre at 53 Hampstead Road, Maidstone has been converted into a temporary location to house men exiting the prison system.
The facility provides last-resort accommodation to reduce the risk of people contracting or spreading the virus while they seek longer-term housing.
All residents are risk assessed, based on their offending history and behaviour, and security and supervision is provided on site 24/7.
The residential facility accommodates up to 44 people, including those who have just been released and who are on parole.
This temporary facility is one of a range of measures being implemented across the justice system in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Location and overview
The residential facility is located at the site of the former immigration detention centre at 53 Hampstead Road, Maidstone.
With its recent use as a detention centre, the site has been refurbished to provide important short-term, transitional accommodation.
It provides single-room accommodation, shared communal facilities, living areas, kitchens, administrative offices and outdoor areas.
Security
All residents are risk-assessed, based on their offending history and behaviour, prior to being accommodated. Security and supervision are provided on site 24/7.
Refurbishment
Refurbishment was completed in late May, including painting, replacement of floors, upgrades to security and landscaping to ensure the facility is fit for purpose.
Operations
The facility commenced operating in June.
It is operating on a temporary basis, with future needs being assessed based on how the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation evolves.
Community Advisory Group
A Community Advisory Group (CAG) is helping to guide the development of the new facility and keep the local community informed and engaged as the project progresses. The group was established by the Department of Justice and Community Safety in July 2020. It includes local residents and representatives from Victoria Police, Corrections Victoria and the City of Maribyrnong.
Community Advisory Group Members
- The Hon. Wade Noonan MP (Chair)
- Wayne Sievers (community member)
- Katie King (community member)
- Kate Good (community member)
- Jacinta Pollard (community member)
- Councillor Sarah Carter (Mayor, Maribyrnong City Council)
- Corinne Cadilhac (Deputy Secretary, Justice Infrastructure and CEO, Community Safety Building Authority)
- Jenny Hosking (Assistant Commissioner, Corrections Victoria)
- Brooke Walker (Inspector, Maribyrnong Local Area Command, Victoria Police
Community Advisory Group Meeting Summaries
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Employment opportunities
Employment opportunities related to the government response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can be accessed through the Working for Victoria website (External link)
More information
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