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 also accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) in 1999 and was re-accredited in 2006.
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