Status Operational Managed by Corrections Victoria Capacity 382 | Security class Medium Phone +61 3 4309 3333 Opened 1967 | |
Location Ararat, Victoria, Australia Address Warrak Rd, Ararat VIC 3377, Australia Similar Aradale Ghost Tours ‑ Ar, Friends of J Ward, Ararat Advertiser, Ararat, Ararat Police Station | ||
Hopkins Correctional Centre (Ararat), an Australian low to medium security prison for males, is located in Ararat, Victoria, approximately 200 kilometres (120 mi) west of Melbourne. The centre is operated by Corrections Victoria, part of the Department of Justice of the Victorian Government. The centre accepts prisoners convicted of an indictable offence under Victorian and/or Commonwealth legislation, including a high proportion of sex offenders (50 per cent) and protection or special needs prisoners (50 per cent).
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History
Initially known as HM Ararat Prison, the prison was opened in 1967, replacing the century-old Ballarat Gaol. Built at an initial cost of A$1.25 million, an ongoing redevelopment program has included a new external security fence, new kitchen and mess room, major industries complex, new accommodation and program areas, and a new visit centre.
In November 2011, the Minister for Corrections and for Crime Prevention, Andrew McIntosh announced that the name of the centre would change to the Hopkins Correctional Centre in recognition of the major contribution made to its operation by the local community. The opportunity had been taken to rename the prison as part of the project to add 350 beds to the complex, which was due to be completed in December 2012. A new transition centre has opened, accommodating 40 beds. The facility, once complete, is expected to add an additional 150 jobs to the region, adding to the existing 160 full-time staff at the centre. The Hopkins River is located in the area surrounding Ararat.