Albany Regional Prison - A Profile
In going to prison men lose not only their freedom, dignity and self respect, depression easily and frequently slips in. Encouraged by Prison Chaplains and prison staff, Albany prisoners have organized a peer support team.
The town of Albany is 400 kms south of Perth and is the site of the
first European settlement in Western Australia - 25 December
1826. It was the major entry port for overseas shipping until the
opening of the mouth of the Swan River at Fremantle early in the
1900s. It is still a regional centre and grain port and major
industries now are its retired seniors and tourism.
The old Victorian era gaol of the 1800s was phased out with the building of a new prison in the early 1960s. It was later added to and classified as a maximum security prison with capacity for around 2000 prisoners. Towards the end of 2002 about half that number was transferred to metropolitan prisons, staff numbers were reduced by transfers, retirement, etc., and sections of the accommodation were closed down.
Prison Fellowship Albany has 14 active members from whom we average 4 to 5 to visit each Saturday morning from 9.00 to 10.45. A typical visit held in the chapel is attended by a regular 4 men, but occasionally the number increases to 7 to 8. We commence with an opening prayer, sing hymns accompanied by PF musicians and have a testimony or a gospel-based talk by the team leader for the visit. One of the prisoners lead the service on each fourth Saturday.
We then as a group enjoy fellowship while partaking of a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits supplied by the men. We engage in individual and group spoken prayer requests for prisoners, their families, victims, prison wardens/administration, prison visitors, and their respective needs either before or after fellowship time.
To be able to visit prisoners is a privilege. We mutually learn and share our faith journeys. For the men to continue their faith in such a hostile environment calls for great prayer commitment on everyone's part.
In going to prison men lose not only their freedom, dignity and self respect, depression easily and frequently slips in. Encouraged by Prison Chaplains and prison staff, Albany prisoners have organized a peer support team. Members of this group are allowed to extend support and share prayer and encouragement with other prisoners from other cells in times of crisis such as serious depression.
At Albany Prison visitors hold monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month for group prayers and discussion on issues relating to former prisoner's needs - employment, accommodation, marriages, etc. We also provide transport to and from prison for visitors and families of prisoners.
- Lionel Roberts
Team Leader
The old Victorian era gaol of the 1800s was phased out with the building of a new prison in the early 1960s. It was later added to and classified as a maximum security prison with capacity for around 2000 prisoners. Towards the end of 2002 about half that number was transferred to metropolitan prisons, staff numbers were reduced by transfers, retirement, etc., and sections of the accommodation were closed down.
Prison Fellowship Albany has 14 active members from whom we average 4 to 5 to visit each Saturday morning from 9.00 to 10.45. A typical visit held in the chapel is attended by a regular 4 men, but occasionally the number increases to 7 to 8. We commence with an opening prayer, sing hymns accompanied by PF musicians and have a testimony or a gospel-based talk by the team leader for the visit. One of the prisoners lead the service on each fourth Saturday.
We then as a group enjoy fellowship while partaking of a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits supplied by the men. We engage in individual and group spoken prayer requests for prisoners, their families, victims, prison wardens/administration, prison visitors, and their respective needs either before or after fellowship time.
To be able to visit prisoners is a privilege. We mutually learn and share our faith journeys. For the men to continue their faith in such a hostile environment calls for great prayer commitment on everyone's part.
In going to prison men lose not only their freedom, dignity and self respect, depression easily and frequently slips in. Encouraged by Prison Chaplains and prison staff, Albany prisoners have organized a peer support team. Members of this group are allowed to extend support and share prayer and encouragement with other prisoners from other cells in times of crisis such as serious depression.
At Albany Prison visitors hold monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month for group prayers and discussion on issues relating to former prisoner's needs - employment, accommodation, marriages, etc. We also provide transport to and from prison for visitors and families of prisoners.
- Lionel Roberts
Team Leader
Last modified
2006-07-17 08:40 PM