Mary Hutchinson Women's Prison
Mary Hutchinson Women's Prison, formerly Risdon Women's Prison, an Australian minimum to maximum security prison for females, is located in Risdon Vale, Tasmania. The facility is operated by the Tasmanian Prison Service, an agency of the Department of Justice of the Government of Tasmania. The facility accepts felons convicted under Tasmanian and/or Commonwealth legislation.
| |
| Location | Risdon Vale, Tasmania |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42.812°S 147.34°E |
| Status | Operational |
| Security class | Minimum to maximum[1] |
| Capacity | 45[2] |
| Opened | 1963[3] (outside H.M. Risdon Prison) May 2006 (redeveloped)[4] |
| Managed by | Tasmanian Prison Service |
Facilities
The 45–bed women's prison allows accommodation for the children of inmates. The facility is located adjacent to the Risdon Prison Complex, a prison comprising 219 maximum security cells for males; 84 medium security cells for males; and a 38–bed secure mental health unit for males and females, called the Wilfred Lopes Centre for Forensic Mental Health.
The prison is divided into maximum, medium and minimum security environments, with common facilities that include an outdoor basketball court and visits area, several multi-purpose facilities, areas for education and programs activities, and a health clinic. Inmates prepare their own meals.[5]
Maximum security
The maximum security component comprises 15 single cells, separated into a 6 cell unit and a 9 cell unit. Cells are all on the ground level and are located around a common 'day' area including lounge and dining facilities. Cells are equipped with a shower, toilet, bed, writing desk and television. Access is available to an attached, mesh enclosed, exercise yard.[5]
Medium security
Medium security inmates are housed in a single unit with 12 cells. The unit has individual bedrooms and common lounge, dining and shower facilities. Inmates have access to most of the outdoor grounds in the medium security part of the campus.[5]
Minimum security
Minimum security inmates are housed in a single unit with 11 rooms. The unit has individual bedrooms and common lounge, dining, toilet and shower facilities. Inmates have access to most of the outdoor grounds in the minimum security part of the prison. Minimum security accommodation also includes a 7-bed 'mother & baby' unit capable of housing mothers with their infant children.[5]
References
- "Tasmanian correctional facilities". Australian correctional agencies and facilities. Australian Institute of Criminology. 30 June 2009. Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 27 April 2012.
- "Key moments in Penal Culture in Tasmania 1970 - present: Prisons". Australian Prisons Project. University of New South Wales. 2010. Archived from the original on 28 October 2012. Retrieved 27 April 2012.
- "Correctional Services and Sentencing in Tasmania" (PDF). Legislative Council Select Committee. Parliament of Tasmania. 3 September 1999. Retrieved 27 April 2012.
- "100 years of the prison service". Tasmanian Year Book, 2000. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 22 April 2004. Retrieved 27 April 2012.
- "Womens prison". Prisons Infrastructure Redevelopment Program. Department of Justice. 4 September 2009. Retrieved 29 April 2012.