Capacity: 922
Client: Victoria Ministry of Corrections
Accreditations: Certified Quality Management System to ISO 9001:2008. Certified Environmental Management System to ISO 14001:2004 Certified Occupational Health and Safety Management System to AS 4801:2001 National Safety Council of Australia Accreditation to Australian Council of Healthcare Standards.
The GEO Group Australia received the award for the design, construction, operation and management of a 590-bed adult male facility in 1997. Since this time, the facility has been granted numerous increases in accommodations and currently has a bed capacity of 717. In September 2002, a variation of the existing Prison Services Agreement was signed to allow for the design, construct, finance and management of an additional 68-bed Community Transition Program (‘Nalu’).
The facility is designed to provide a safe, supportive and humane environment in which inmates can live and work, and in which the staff can deliver a suite of rehabilitative programs. The principal objectives of the facility include safety and security; health, fitness, and recreation; rehabilitation services; community support and reparation; and full integration with the Victorian Prison System. An industries program currently provide inmates with on-the-job training in manufacturing, woodwork for industry, metal fabrication, and horticulture. Future industry programs include the manufacture of potted plant bases from wood, landscaping of parks and raising plants for resale. Education and training services are delivered by a local college and are fully integrated within each industry – equipping inmates with industry knowledge and transferable and marketable qualifications.
The facility accommodates inmates behind a secure perimeter, arranged in a flexible manner to cater for minimum and medium security inmates, special management inmates, drug treatment and protection facilities. The facility layout is of campus design allowing free flow of prisoners between accommodation units, education, healthcare, industries and leisure facilities. The facility affords an appropriate Centre environment with minimal impact on the adjoining community, and the surrounding built and natural environment. The accommodations vary from cell blocks to small, non-institutional cottages to enable inmates to progress to better standards of housing as their classification and/or behavior improves. The facility operates an innovative indigenous Aboriginal program that uses culturally appropriate environments to increase involvement in educative endeavours and to support community cohesion.
The facility was accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) in 1999 and was reaccredited in 2006.
It comes as no surprise that Fulham Correctional Centre Correctional Manager Alex Poulios has been named The GEO Australia Employee of the Year; a well-deserved recognition for someone who embodies persistence, dedication, and accountability in everything he does. Since joining GEO in 2011, Alex has consistently challenged himself to grow, striving for continuous improvement while fully embracing the organisation’s core values. One of Alex’s most impactful contributions is the creation of the Post Graduate Support Program. Designed to support recently graduated correctional officers during their first six months on the job, this initiative is a testament to Alex’s relentless drive for progress and his commitment to setting others up for success. One key quote from staff nominating Alex stands out and best summarises him - “Alex is a believer in the continuous improvement process. This has been evident by the way he has identified areas in need of improvement and then developed new innovative processes to enact this improvement.” Alex was the main driver behind Fulham achieving its hard-to-achieve case management benchmark. He has personally conducted many hours of staff training and is always available to mentor new staff in case management practices. His persistence and tireless work ethic has not only earned him the respect of his team but has also helped shape a more supportive and effective workplace. Over the years, Alex’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. His impressive track record includes multiple accolades, such as the Outcome Focused Award, a Certificate of Appreciation, and several Employee of the Month recognitions. His dedication to operational excellence and innovation makes him a standout leader and a true asset to the team at Fulham and GEO Australia. Colleagues consistently describe Alex as a dedicated professional whose passion for correctional services and rehabilitation is both genuine and inspiring. Staff often point to Alex’s approach as a catalyst for positive change. His ability to see beyond routine operations and focus on long-term outcomes has transformed the way many view their roles. In the words of one colleague, “Alex doesn’t just do the job – he improves it.” When asked about receiving this award, Alex expressed his gratitude stating, “I have been employed at GEO for 14 years, during which time I have had the privilege of working across a variety of roles and departments. I am sincerely grateful for the comprehensive training and mentorship I have received throughout my tenure. I also deeply appreciate the ongoing support and patience the company has extended to me over the years.” His commitment to operational excellence makes him the deserving recipient of The GEO Australia Employee of the Year Award. READ MORE
Fulham Correctional Centre Correctional Officer Lee-Anne Falkingham is highly valued in her “front of house” role where she greets and manages the flow of staff and visitors as they move through the Centre’s Reception and Gatehouse and into the facility. She is often the first person visitors meet on their arrival to the Centre, and often the last when they leave. Lee-Anne began her career in corrections as a casual Correctional Officer at Fulham in 2013, before transitioning to full-time in 2021. She is renowned for her professionalism, positivity and diligence, and for never shying away from a challenge. Staff and visitors consider her welcoming, inclusive, supportive and patient with everyone who crosses her path. She has served as a Correctional Officer on the floor in various roles for more than eight years and understands the immense responsibility and challenges that come with the job. Fulham General Manager Natalie Greenfield said: “Lee-Anne’s impact is felt daily. Her warm reception not only creates a positive atmosphere, but also reflects the highest standards of safety and security. “Her caring attitude extends to all visitors. From nervous families to contractors and staff members, Lee-Anne handles each interaction with a high level of respect, care and compassion,” Ms. Greenfield said. “Lee-Anne is dedicated to ensuring positive outcomes in all her interactions, consistently striving for the best results. Her demeanour is marked by respect, making her an excellent role model for all staff members.” In addition, Lee-Anne delights in celebrating special events such as R U OK? Day, International Women’s Day, and National Corrections Day and enthusiastically ensures “her” Reception area reflects the occasion for the enjoyment of everyone attending the Centre. Asked about what winning the Employee of the Year award meant to her, Lee-Anne said: “This is an incredible honour, especially knowing the calibre of the other candidates. For me, this recognition goes beyond the award itself - it's a reflection of the values I strive to live by every day. “What I love most about my role at the front Reception and Gatehouse, is the unique opportunity it gives me to connect with all our staff daily and warmly welcome a diverse range of visitors. I try to provide a safe and secure environment for my colleagues and the men in our care by adhering to the strict barrier control procedures to minimise the risk of dangers that could potentially jeopardise the good order and safety of the Centre. “I'm grateful to be part of a team that supports and encourages each other, even in the most challenging environments. My goal has always been to make a positive impact, whether it's by creating a welcoming atmosphere for our visitors or simply putting a smile on a colleague’s face. This award affirms that my efforts are making a difference, and for that, I am deeply thankful.” READ MORE