Draft:Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre
| Status | Operational |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1965 |
| Closed | 2024 |
| Managed by | Department of Justice and Community Safety |
| County | Australia |
Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre, was a Victorian correctional facility for young male offenders, which operated for 58 years before its closure in 2024. Malsbury had a reputation for violence, escapes, and instability. The Victorian state government transferred its offenders to other facilities, and future uses for the site are being explored.
History
[edit]Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre opened in 1965.[1] Purpose built to house young men in the custody of the Victoria corrections system, Malsbury faced many challenges related to its management and offender behaviour. Malmsbury became known for serious incidents, including riots, violence, and escape attempts.[1]
Incidents and controversy
[edit]August 2022 escape
[edit]In August 2024, two offenders escaped from Malmsbury by breaking through the roof of the admissions unit. The escape occured amid significant staff shortages.[2] Reports indicated the centre had not met its staffing requirements for several nights before and after the escape. Malmsbury staff had also reported anxiety and pressure due to the shortages. In response to the escape, the Victorian state government permanently closed the affected unit. The two offenders were both located and returned to custody two days later.[3]
September 2022 violence
[edit]On 20 September 2022, violence at Malmsbury left several staff member injured, including two with serious head wounds. The violence occured in a high-security unit.[4]
October 2023 riot
[edit]In October 2023, a violent riot at Malmsbury resulted in thirteen offenders facing charges. Unrest lead to two the hospitalisation of two offenders and some were alleged to have produce child abuse material and attempted ot escape.[5] Court documents revealed some offenders sexually assaulted children with this being filmed. Offenders were also alleged to have stolen security passes, taken hostakes, and committed serious assault.[5] One offender was injured so badly in the violence they were unidentifiable.[6]
Use as the set of a film
[edit]Six weeks after the October 2023 riot, a film crew shot scenes for the 2024 prison drama film Inside starring Guy Pearce on location at Malmsbury.[5][7] The Victorian state government stated the filming did not disrupt operations and took place in unoccupied units. However, Malsbury staff reported the filming did affect offenders, who as a result of the film crew being on site were relocated and restricted from accessing sections of the centre. Staff reported frustration and felt the filming exacerbated the trauma experienced by both offenders and staff following the recent unrest.[5]
Closure
[edit]In June 2023, the Victorian state government announced its decision to close Malmsbury by the end of that year. All offenders were relocated to Melbourne Youth Justice Centre and the newly builty Cherry Creek Youth Justice Centre. Approximately 240 staff were offered financial incentives to remain at Malmsbury until its closure.[1] The decision was criticised, both because it was announced by accident to some staff via email, and also because Malmsbury had only three years early been upgraded at significant cost.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Schubert, Shannon (13 June 2023). "Staff at Victoria's Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre told facility will close by end of the year". ABC News. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Taylor, Josie; Schubert, Shannon (15 August 2022). "Unit two men escaped from at youth prison 'closed permanently', Victorian Department of Justice says". ABC News. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ Seyfort, Serena; Sciberras, Allanah (9 August 2022). "Fugitives caught after escaping from Victorian youth justice centre". www.9news.com.au. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ Schubert, Shannon (20 September 2022). "Detention centre brawl during lunchtime lockdown leaves workers with head injuries". ABC News. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d Schubert, Shannon (21 December 2023). "Troubled Victorian youth justice centre closed, but some say problems have 'just moved'". ABC News. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ Schubert, Shannon (4 October 2023). "Young person 'unidentifiable' after assault at Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre 'riot'". ABC News. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ O'Callaghan, Tom (19 December 2023). "Guy Pearce movie shoot did not disrupt inmates at Malmsbury justice centre". Bendigo Advertiser. Retrieved 28 August 2024.