The Department of Justice is taking significant steps to enhance community connections at Broome Regional Prison, as detailed in a recent report by the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services (OICS). The department is committed to improving conditions at the facility while implementing initiatives to bolster safety and security for both inmates and staff.
According to the OICS report, relationships between Broome Regional Prison and the local community have seen notable improvement. This progress is exemplified by the establishment of an Aboriginal services committee in collaboration with the adult community corrections centre. The committee serves as a platform for key stakeholders to unite, facilitating the return of essential programs such as Section 95 work, which allows prisoners to engage in community service projects.
These initiatives include an Elders program that features regular cultural visits, providing inmates with meaningful opportunities to connect with the community and access rehabilitative services. OICS emphasized that these efforts support prisoners in their rehabilitation journeys.
Acting Department Director General Joanne Stampalia highlighted the importance of these initiatives in fostering better rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes for inmates. “Engagement with local community organizations is one of our key priorities in our efforts to increase opportunities and cultural support for First Nations people in custody,” she stated.
Prisoners have the chance to participate in supervised Section 95 work, which encompasses various community activities such as equine therapy, building maintenance, wildlife rescue, and bushfire mitigation. According to OICS, these roles help inmates build confidence, develop practical skills, and reconnect with their communities, further supporting their rehabilitation.
In an additional effort to strengthen educational opportunities, the recommissioning of the education and vocational building at Broome has enhanced the delivery of various programs. The Department of Justice continues to invest in staffing, including health services. A long-term infrastructure plan aims to futureproof Western Australia’s entire custodial estate, with considerations for Broome prison.
Brad Royce, the Corrective Services Commissioner, remarked on the recently released Corrective Services 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which outlines a vision for enhancing capabilities across Western Australia’s prison system. “Our vision is to create correctional environments and deliver improved services and conditions that help reduce reoffending and build safer communities in the Kimberley region,” he explained.
Royce commended the leadership team and staff at Broome for their commitment to maintaining order within the prison and ensuring the welfare and wellbeing of the inmates in their care. As these initiatives unfold, the Department of Justice aims to foster a more rehabilitative environment that supports both prisoners and the surrounding community.
