Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Ministers statements: Beechworth Correctional Centre

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (13:37): It is my pleasure to rise today to acknowledge the 20th anniversary of the Beechworth Correctional Centre and the enormous contribution this facility has made to the local community over this time. All staff, past and present, deserve our congratulations for their hard work and dedication to making Beechworth prison the excellent institution that it is.

As a minimum-security facility, Beechworth and Corrections Victoria work closely with the local community to help people in custody prepare for a successful reintegration. The prison industries at Beechworth offer an array of skills development that make it easier for prisoners to get a job following their release. This includes in areas like agriculture, construction, cookery and warehousing. Beechworth prison continues to contribute back into the community in many ways. The Wodonga Dog Rescue program sees prisoners preparing dogs for adoption, with over 120 dogs already rehomed. The Ruffy swag program is delivered in partnership with Carevan, and prisoners make swags for those sleeping rough. An impressive 123 swags, on the latest information I have, have been delivered since 2023. And I would be remiss to not mention the wildlife rehabilitation program that has seen 73 orphaned wombats prepared for their reintegration back into the wild.

I was pleased to visit Beechworth last week to be part of the 20th anniversary celebrations. I joined over a hundred family members, friends and community partners to acknowledge the long service that many staff members have provided to Victoria’s corrections system. I had the honour of presenting awards to many staff, including the 35 years of service award to Mr Craig Gibbs. What a remarkable contribution to the Victorian community, Craig.

To all the staff and community partners who have made a contribution to the Beechworth prison over the last 20 years, I wish to say thank you and put on the official record the thanks of our government. Here is to a continued bright future for the Corrections Victoria facility and the important roles it plays in the community and keeping us all safe.