State women's prison facility wins praise

6/10/06
The State Government's innovative women's pre-release prison in Bentley has received an award for its contribution to the Western Australian community.
Corrective Services Minister Margaret Quirk today welcomed news that the Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women had won the respected John Curtin Medal awarded annually by Curtin University of Technology.
The medal is awarded to people or organisations that embody the values of former Prime Minister John Curtin and provide an outstanding service to the community.
Ms Quirk said the accolade was endorsement of the pioneering work being done by the minimum security prison in rehabilitating female offenders.
"It is very gratifying to see one of our prisons receiving credit of this magnitude from a university, and a near neighbour," she said.
"Boronia's success in preparing women for life beyond prison and its innovative community setting and approach are being recognised and welcomed by the local community."
The medal was presented at an awards ceremony today to Attorney General Jim McGinty, who was Justice Minister during the centre's planning, founding superintendent Christine Ginbey and current superintendent Jan Allen.

Mr McGinty said the centre, opened in 2004, had fulfilled the State Government's vision to be a catalyst for change across the Western Australian prison system.
"The concept for the centre was based on research showing women prisoners are more successfully rehabilitated in a community setting, preparing them for life beyond prison," he said.
"Women in the centre manage their own budgets and house duties, some providing care for their children, and are involved in some form of work at the centre and education.
"If a person can build on family relationships and self esteem, gain a sense of community and learn skills that will make her more employable, then that is the kind of person we want back in the WA community."
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