Background
West Kimberley Regional Prison (WKRP) was opened in 2012 with an innovative Aboriginal focus. The philosophy underpinning the prison was developed from consultations with Aboriginal leaders and community members, coming together in 2005 as the Kimberley Aboriginal Reference Group (KARG). The philosophy stated Kimberley prisoners should be held on or close to Country and that …
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Key findings
Culturally appropriate prison philosophy has been eroded over time West Kimberley Regional Prison (WKRP) was opened in 2012 with an innovative Aboriginal focus informed by traditional Kimberley Aboriginal culture. The unique architecture and community-style share households had been designed to develop independent living skills and self-determination, but in 2023, crowding elsewhere in the custodial estate …
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Conclusion
West Kimberley Regional Prison (WKRP) was opened in 2012 with an innovative Aboriginal focus informed by traditional Kimberley Aboriginal culture. Its 10-year anniversary was celebrated in November 2022. Despite the impressive design, structural damage across the site had been accelerated by inferior build quality and the harsh Kimberley climate. Structural and mechanical repairs in the Kimberley …
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Recommendations
Recommendation 1 Finalise a Kimberley Custodial Plan that builds on the Kimberley Aboriginal Reference Group philosophy and specifies distinct roles for West Kimberley and Broome Regional Prisons. Recommendation 2 Establish maintenance and replacement schedules for systems, equipment, and infrastructure at West Kimberley. Recommendation 3 Deliver better regional incentives and parity for local staff. Recommendation 4 …
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