The Kimberley Custodial Plan was released in 2006 and provides a blueprint for future corrective services. It addresses a range of unique challenges in the Kimberley region, including high rates of re-offending, domestic violence, substance abuse and poor health.
The plan followed extensive consultation with the Kimberley community by nine eminent Aboriginal leaders, known as the Kimberley Aboriginal Reference Group. This independent group was instrumental in identifying key issues and priorities for Aboriginal people in relation to custodial services and recommended the need for:
- different sentencing and offender management services
- new custodial facilities
- a fresh approach to rehabilitation and re-entry programs to help offenders successfully re-join society.
The Kimberley Custodial Plan underpins the design and operating philosophy of the new West Kimberley Regional Prison which is currently being developed in Derby.
Kimberley Aboriginal Reference Group
This independent group provided invaluable advice and input to the Department’s Kimberley Custodial Plan taskforce. Membership included:
- Peter Yu, Chair Aboriginal Housing Board (Chairperson)
- Patrick Dodson, Chair Kimberley Development Commission
- Ian (Dickie) Bedford, Fitzroy Crossing
- Dawn Bessarab, Courts Division Department of the Attorney General
- Josie Farrer, Halls Creek
- George Hamilton, Wyndham
- June Oscar, Indigenous Women's Congress
- Ian Trust, Wunan Foundation, Kununurra
- Charlie Wright, Bidyadanga
