Prison anniversary reveals ‘gentle’ gaolers

Andrew Mathieson
BARWON Prison has changed the hardened image of jail wardens, according to the facility’s general manager.
Many of the prison’s former warders walked back through the same gates for the Lara facility’s 20th year reunion last week.
General manager Russell Reed, who transferred to Barwon Prison from Melbourne’s infamous Pentridge in 1993, said a gentler approach had replaced the days of baton-wielding wardens.
Back in then prisons had a “lock ‘em away” approach, he admitted.
“I talk to them (prisoners) on a first-name basis now.
“I know a lot of guys’ names and they respect me back by calling me ‘Mr Reed’ or ‘Sir’.
“I’ve been in contact with others (prison staff) when they have visited from other prisons and they’re always just referring back to them (prisoners) by a number.
“Here there’s that little bit more interpersonal relationship.”
While Barwon is the home of some of the state’s most dangerous prisoners like Carl Williams, Tony Mokbel, Julian Knight and Peter Dupas, an open courtyard allows most inmates to mix with staff.
“People have the perception that it’s like in the movies – it’s nothing like the movies, I’m telling you,” Mr Reed said.
“People come in and those visitors who attend Barwon have often remarked about the open campus-style layout and the way of interaction with the calm feeling within.
“Everyone thinks there are prisoners marching up in line but they just walk around and say ‘G’day, how are you?’.”
Planning for a new prison near Lara commenced in 1986, with the facility opening in 1990 at a cost of $58.7 million.
The prison was built to hold 250 male and female prisoners in single-bed accommodation.
In 1994, Pentridge prisoners were relocated when Barwon became the state’s maximum-security prison. A high security unit was added in March, 2007, to accommodate the growing ranks of imprisoned gangland criminals.