Darwin Opens New Women's Prison With Education Programs

Starting Monday, low-security female prisoners in Darwin will move into a brand new compound designed specifically for their rehabilitation and safety.

The $8.1 million facility transforms an existing work camp into a women-only space featuring five accommodation blocks, each with its own kitchen, laundry, and common areas. A central courtyard includes a basketball court and gym equipment, giving residents room to exercise and connect.

Deputy Corrections Commissioner Kym McKay says the women preparing to move are feeling more than ready. "Excitement is an understatement," he said, noting how eagerly residents have been anticipating the change.

The new compound addresses serious safety concerns at the current facility. Former prisoner Crystal Roberts explained that women were previously housed next to a male solitary confinement unit, where they endured disturbing verbal abuse from inmates with mental health issues.

Why This Inspires

The real breakthrough comes with what happens inside these new buildings. Within months, a dedicated classroom will be installed, bringing regular education programs ranging from basic literacy to job training and employment skills.

For the first time, women at the facility will also participate in community service work parties. These opportunities help residents develop real-world skills and connections that matter after release.

The facility prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment. Each accommodation block creates a more homelike environment where women can cook meals, do laundry, and maintain daily routines that prepare them for independent living.

Education programs had been cancelled more than 60 percent of the time last year due to lockdowns in the men's prison. The separate women's compound means these vital programs can continue consistently, even when other parts of the facility face challenges.

A part-time nurse will staff the facility, with more serious medical needs handled at the prison's main medical wing or local hospitals. The setup balances healthcare access with the benefits of a separate, calmer environment.

The Northern Territory government is also planning additional facilities, including a 200-bed work camp at Darwin Correctional Centre and a 95-bed facility in Alice Springs opening this quarter. A 130-bed work camp near Katherine is also in development.

While medium and high-security women will remain in the original facility for now, officials are working on designs for improved housing for those residents as well. Each step forward represents progress toward better conditions and outcomes for all women in the corrections system.

This Monday marks a fresh start for Darwin's low-security female inmates, offering them not just a new place to stay, but real tools to build better futures.