TOWNSVILLE
WOMEN’S
CORRECTIONAL
CENTRE
PRISONER HANDBOOK
Townsville Womens Correctional Centre Prisoner Handbook. Version 4. 08 June 2011
1
WELCOME
Coming to prison is not a pleasant experience however you can use your time in Townsville
Women’s Correctional Centre (TWCC) to make some positive life changes. While you are
accommodated at this centre you are responsible for your behaviour and the choices you
make. Your actions and attitude will decide how you will progress and what you achieve. You
are strongly encouraged to make the most of the services and programs available at TWCC
so that your chances of making positive changes in your life are increased. Please ensure
that you communicate effectively with staff and others to make this a safe environment.
PHILOSOPHY
Townsville Women’s Correctional Centre aims to provide a positive environment which
encourages personal growth and motivation for female offenders through a holistic, cultural
and gender appropriate approach. The centre facilitates programs and services which
identify and meet the rehabilitation and developmental needs of female offenders and
provide them with the opportunity to transition successfully back into society while minimising
further disadvantage.
INTRODUCTION
This handbook provides you with all the information you need about TWCC. It provides you
with the information about:
 What services are available and how they are delivered
 Your entitlements
 Your obligations and responsibilities
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1. DAILY ROUTINE
A copy of the Structured Day is available from the PAC Delegate and the Unit Officers.
Please refer to this structured day timetable for information about:
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Muster times
Cell access
Meal times
Lock away times
Program and work times
Visits times
2. MUSTERS
Musters can be called at any time particularly if there is an emergency.
You MUST attend all Musters. Do not talk or consume food/drinks whilst the muster is
conducted. Answer your name when it is called, wait to be dismissed then move off in line to
the dining area for your meal. Do not wear your sunglasses or hats on Muster. Music devices
must be turned off. Ear phones are NOT permitted in ears on Muster.
SECURE UNITS:
When you hear “MUSTER – UP” called, go to the area in front of the Officer’s station and
form a line starting from cell 1 to 16.
Muster approximate timings and locations
 Unlcok
Conducted at your cell door (you must
stand by your cell doors until dismissed)
 Morning In front of Officer’s Station
 Afternoon In front of Officer’s Station
 Lockaway Conducted at your cell door (you must
stand by your cell doors until told to enter your cell)
RESIDENTIAL UNITS:
When you hear MUSTER- UP called, go to your own unit and form a line in front of your unit
on the balcony.
Muster approximate timings and locations
 Unlock
Headcount at your cell door (you must stand by your cell doors until
dismissed). Move to your veranda in front of your unit for the morning muster when
the door is opened.
 Morning In front of your unit
 Afternoon In front of your unit
 Lockaway Conducted at your cell door (you must stand by your cell doors until staff
close the unit door.)
3. SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted inside any building of the centre including your cell.
The only exception to this is designated smoking areas in Residential and the
exercise yards at Secure. No smoking is permitted within 4 metres of any
doorway.
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4. OUT OF BOUND AREAS
You are not permitted access to the following units unless directly supervised by a Corrective
Services Officer.
 Unit Office
 Officer of Correctional Supervisor
 Another prisoners cell or unit
 The grounds outside of the Secure unit unless you are directed to be there
 Education Blocks- unless attending a program or escorted
 Behind Residential blocks- at all times
 Inside the Mothers and Babies Unit if you are not living there
 Industries areas or kitchens unless employed there
5. INTERCOM USAGE
Intercom communications are provided so that assistance from staff may be requested,
particularly in cases of illness and injury. Any misuse may result in disciplinary action. To
call an officer in an emergency, push the red button. The intercom has a radio that can be
used by pushing the green button to change channels.
6. CELL ACCESS
SECURE UNITS:
Your cell will be locked by the Officer immediately after unlock. You will not be able to go
back into your cell until the next cell access is called. (This is usually after cleaning duties
have been completed.) You may either remain in your cell until the next cell access OR
remain out of your cell until the next cell access. Officers will announce cell accesses over
the intercom and you will need to be by your cell door to have access to your cell. No
prisoner will be on the top landing at any other time. Cell access times are advised over the
intercom. You must be out of your cell for musters and medication.
RESIDENTIAL UNITS:
You will be issued with your Cell Key. Your Cell Key will open the front door of your unit
during the day. Only offenders who live in a unit are allowed in that unit.
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7. CELLS
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Beds are to be made and ready for inspection by 7:30am.
All appliances are to be switched off whilst cell is unoccupied.
Garbage is cleared from cells each morning.
Cells are to be kept in a clean, tidy and hygienic condition.
You may not enter another offender’s cell, or unit.
Wilful damage will result in disciplinary action or criminal charges being made against
you. You will be asked to sign a cell condition report when you enter a new cell.
Personal items are to be kept neat and tidy.
Pictures, photographs, cards etc. can be displayed on cell notice board not on walls.
No offensive or pornographic material is to be displayed. Photos are to be in
accordance with the following:
- only depict human subjects who are fully clothed (meaning not unclothed, partially
clothed, or wearing underwear or swimwear);
- not depict groups of children in a school, childcare, sporting or organisational
context; and
- only depict children who are directly related to the offender and who are not known
to be victims of the offender.
All other pictures, photographs, cards etc. are to be stored neatly in cell.
Observation windows are not to be covered at any time.
You are not to exchange or loan issued or personal property.
Excessive noise will not be tolerated. Noise levels are to be kept to a minimum e.g.
use of headphones. Failure to comply may result in your stereo/television being
confiscated and returned to property store.
Graffiti on Department property will result in disciplinary action.
NB: Inspections, searches and security checks will occur daily. Managers and supervisors
will also conduct regular inspections.
The General Manager conducts a thorough inspection each week. All prisoners are
required to stand by their doors during this inspection until dismissed.
8. UNIT CLEANING
High standards of cleanliness and hygiene are to be maintained. Cleaning equipment for
each unit/cell is stored in the unit laundry available for issue at 8:00am each day. The unit
sweepers will be responsible for maintaining the amount of stock kept in the cupboard. No
cleaning equipment (spray bottles) is to be kept in your cell. You will be reprimanded if spray
bottles or other equipment is found in your cell. Be considerate to other prisoners and share
the cleaning equipment that is available.
ALL prisoners must contribute to weekend clean in preparation for General Manager’s
inspection.
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9. PLACEMENT AND PROGRESSION
Your behaviour and participation in education and programs will decide where you are
accommodated and how you will progress. Your PAC Delegate will have a copy of the
incentives and privileges table which outlines the placement requirements and advantages to
progression.
10. WORK CAMP
The General Manager approves placement at Bowen Women’s Work Camp.
Eligibility criteria for the Work Camp program include:
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No outstanding charges/warrants
No deportation/extradition orders
No outstanding appeals on sentence/conviction
Not been convicted of Schedule 1 offence
Shows suitability in maturity and motivation
Have a low classification and have a low escape risk assessment
To be considered for the Work Camp:
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All low security prisoners will automatically be assessed for work camp and
interviewed by the Accommodation Manager or his/her delegate and the
Suitability Assessment – Work Camp form completed
Work camp prisoners must meet all the requirements as documented in
Corrective Services Act 2006 ss 66, 67, 68, 72, 265.
11. UNLOCK AND LOCK AWAY
SECURE:
Unlock at Secure will involve the Officers conducting a check of all prisoners prior to any
doors being opened. Stand by your door for the check so the Officers can see you. When the
doors are unlocked move outside your cell and close the door behind you. The Officers will
then conduct a Muster before you move off.
All prisoners accommodated in the Secure Unit are to be standing by their cells ready for lock
away when called. When the doors are opened you are to move inside and close the door.
You are then to stand by your door until the Officers complete their checks. The Intercom is
provided to request assistance from staff. Inappropriate use of intercoms may result in a
breach action being taken.
RESIDENTIAL UNITS:
Prior to unlock the Officers will conduct a check of all prisoners prior to unlock. Stand outside
your door when this check is being conducted so you can be seen. When the unit door is
unlocked you are to move to the unit landing for muster.
All prisoners are accommodated in the Residential Unit are to be standing by their cells ready
for lock away by when called. You are to stand by your door until the Officers complete their
checks and close the unit door.
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12. LAUNDRY
There are washers and dryers in the laundry of each Secure unit and inside each Residential
unit. Prisoners are required to wash all issued and personal clothing and sheets in the
Laundry. Given the hygiene standards that must be complied with, the minimum personal
requirements expected is:
 You must not wear dirty or smelly clothing at any time.
 All clothing is to be washed as required or twice a week.
 You are responsible for your own prison issue clothing.
13. FOOD SAFETY
To ensure a safe and healthy environment you must abide the following
rules:
 All meals are to be consumed in the dining area
 After you finish eating rinse your plate and cutlery and stack
them neatly on the sink in the dining area.
 Do not throw away your cutlery. Do not share dirty cutlery,
plates or cups.
 Food is not to be package and taken back to your cell. Prepackage food items that are purchased through the canteen may be kept and
consumed in cells.
 All food items (such as butter, spreads, milk) must be returned to the refrigerator
and bread is to be placed in the cupboard prior to Lockaway.
 Feeding of birds or other vermin is strictly not permitted.
14. HEALTH SERVICES AND MEDICATION
If you take medication you must be aware of the following:
 You must wear and present your identification tag when your medication is issued
to you.
 You must bring your own water in your issued cup.
 You must swallow/consume your medication prior to leaving the area.
 If the nurse is approving you to take medication away for consumption at a later
time, you must obtain a certificate from the nurse.
15. MAIL
The mail address for the prisoners at this centre is:
Offender’s name
Townsville Women’s Correctional Centre
PO Box 5574
MSO Townsville 4810
Your mail will be distributed on a daily basis. All outgoing mail must be given to Unit Officers
by 5:00pm each day. Outgoing mail is to be left unsealed. Prisoners must place their
full name and address on the rear of any mail. Mail that is not addressed correctly will not
be approved to leave the centre. All incoming mail will be distributed at your respective
accommodation units in accordance with QCS procedures. All incoming mail other than
privileged mail will be opened and checked by Corrective Services Officers prior to you
receiving the mail. Privileged mail may be opened and searched in your presence.
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16. TELEPHONE
Access to the Arunta Telephone system will be provided for the period of
7:30am to 6:15pm. You must put your solicitor’s phone number on your
contact list in the event you may need to call them.
You are not permitted to use the telephone system during Muster
times. Telephones are disconnected approximately 20 minutes prior to
each Muster and Lockaway.
You have access to the telephone numbers on the next page using your own Arunta
telephone accounts. These calls are free of charge however you must have money in their
account to enable access.
The steps to access this telephone link are as follows:
1. Enter your IOMS number;
2. Enter your personal identification number;
3. You can view the numbers by pressing **01, **02, **04, **05, **06, **07, **08, **09,
**10 or **11 respectively;
4. You can then dial the number by pressing *#01, *#02, *#03, *#04, *#05, *#06, *#07,
*#08, *#09, *#10 or *#11 respectively.
NUMBER
OFFICE
*#01
Ombudsman
*#02
*#03
*#04
*#05
*#06
*#07
*#08
*#09
*#10
*#11
#12
Commission for
Children and
Young People
and Child
Guardian
Crime and
Misconduct
Commission
Legal Aid
Queensland
Prisoner Legal
Service
Prisoners Legal
Service- Parole
Assistance
Crimestoppers
Child Support
Agency
Intelligence
Unit
Department of
Housing
State Penalties
Enforcement
Registry
Q-Health Hep
C
SESSION TIMES
MONDAY
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
9.30am
2pm
to
to
11.30am
4pm
9am
9am
to
to
5pm
5pm
THURSDAY FRIDAY
9am to
5pm
9am to
5pm
9am to 5pm
9am to
5pm
9am to
5pm
9am to
5pm
9am to
5pm
9am
to 1pm
9am to 5pm
9am to
5pm
9am
to 1pm
9am to
5pm
8am
to 5pm
24hrs
9am to
5pm
9am to
3pm
9am to
5pm
8am
to 5pm
24hrs
9am to
5pm
9am to
3pm
9am to
5pm
8am
to 5pm
9am to
5pm
9am to
5pm
9am to
5pm
24 hrs
9am to
5pm
9am to
3pm
9am to
5pm
8am
to 5pm
24hrs
9am to
5pm
9am to
3pm
9am to
5pm
8am
to 5pm
9am to
5pm
9am to
5pm
9am
to
1pm
24hrs
9am to
5pm
9am to 3pm
9am to 5pm
SATURDAY SUNDAY
24hrs
24hrs
17. VISITS
You are required to wear prison issue clothing and footwear (thongs- prison issue) to visits.
You must not wear jewellery, watches, wedding rings etc. After visits you will be subjected to
a search requiring the removal of clothing. Prisoners will be nominated a table at the visits
area and each table will have a white seat which you must sit on.
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18. DRESS
Prison issue clothing is to be worn at all times within the centre. Kitchen workers must
change out of kitchen whites into their normal uniform when leaving the unit for sport. High
standards of personal grooming are expected. Hair must be clean and free of infestations.
Head covering and hairnets must be worn in kitchens and the unit servery consistent with
hygiene requirements. Footwear (thongs) must be worn around the centre. Protective
footwear is to be left at your place of employment and not to be worn when moving around
the centre unless that movement is required for your work (eg. Kitchen deliveries,
Landscapers etc)
 Outside unit – thongs or sandals
 Sport- Joggers or thongs (some activities may require joggers to be worn for
safety)
 Visits- Thongs ONLY (prison issue)
 External Escorts- Thongs
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19. APPROVED CELL PROPERTY
The table bellows identifies the type and maximum number of items you are permitted to
have in your cell. Where additional quantities of certain items are stored in property (such as
books, music CDS etc), they may be exchanged with other items from property during
scheduled exchange days (Thursday), but may not exceed the maximum number permitted.
SECURE
RESIDENTIAL
Cosmetics (Canteen purchased only)
1.5 Body and Hand lotion/cream
1 Sun Stick
1.5 Face Creams
1 Small Toiletry Bag
Toiletries purchased through canteen:
1.5 Shampoo
1.5 Conditioner
1.5 Toothpaste
1 Toothbrush
1.5 Tissues
1.5 Deodorant (roll on only)
1.5 Talcum Powder
1 Mirror (Plastic)
2 Hair Brush/Comb
1 Pkt cotton wool
1 Emery Board (cardboard only)
4 Soap
1 Pkt Cotton Buds
1 Disposable Razors
(Hand back 1 for 1)
Cosmetics (Canteen purchased only)
1.5 Face Scrub
1.5 Body and Hand
lotion/Cream
1 Sun Stick
1 Small Toiletry Bag
Toiletries purchased through Canteen:
1.5 Shampoo
1.5 Conditioner
1.5 Toothpaste
1 Toothbrush
1.5 Tissues
1 Tweezers
1 Small nail Clippers
1.5 Deodorant
(roll on only)
1.5 Talcum Powder
1 Mirror (Plastic)
2 Hair Brush/ Comb
1 Pkt Cotton Wool
1 Emery Boards
(Cardboard only)
4 Soap
1 pkt Cotton Buds
8 Disposable Razors
1.5 Hair Gel
Other Items:
 1x Clock Radio
 Writing Material
 Magazines and newspaper
 All personal paperwork to
be kept to a limit of one shoebox
 Legal Materials as approved
 Clothing as issued on reception or purchased
 1 pair of trainers as issued on reception or
purchased maximum value of $150
 1 x non-reflective sunglasses as issued on
reception or purchased to the value of $50
 Prescription glasses/sunglasses as approved by
relevant Medical staff
Other Items:
 1 x Cassette/radio/CD Player,
(overall length including speakers
is not to exceed 500mm,
value to not exceed $150)
 10 Cassette and 10 CD’s in
 accordance with QCS procedure
 1 x Clock radio
 Writing Material
 Magazines and newspapers
 All personal paperwork to be kept
to a size limit of 1 shoebox
 Legal Material as approved
 Clothing as issued on reception
 1 pair of trainers as issued
on reception or purchased the
maximum of $150
 1 x non-reflective sunglasses
as issued on reception
or purchased to the value of $50
 Prescription glasses or sunglasses as
approved by relevant Medical staff
All of these approved cell property if wishing to purchase are as purchased through
Sales to Prisoners.
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20. HOBBIES AND RECREATION
Your PAC Delagate will have a copy of ‘Approved In Cell Hobbies List’ which outlines
approved hobbies and craft activities which you can purchase for use in your cell. If you are
approved for an in-cell hobby or craft you can purchase the supplies/equipment through the
Activities Officers.
Hobby activity permitted within Units or Cells includes;
 Drawing and sketching using sketch pads and pencils
 Painting (Residential only)
 Reading (Access to library facilities increases as you progress
to residential)
 Board games
 Card games
The structured day outlines when you will have access to sport and recreational activities. An
up to date copy of the structured day can be located from your PAC Delegate.
21. EMPLOYMENT
The General Manager has an expectation that all offenders will be productively engaged in
work or programs each day. Employment is available in various areas of the Townsville
Women’s Correctional Centre.
To apply for work in these areas, simply see your Unit Officer for an Offender Employment
Application. Please complete this form listing three choices of employment and return it to
your Unit Officer.
Places of employment:
 Bulk Stores
 Food Stores
 Secure Units
 Residential
 Landscaping
 Food Services
 Tailor Shop
You will be interviewed by a Trade Instructor in due course. Once a position is available with
regards to your choices, you will be assessed and notified about commencing work.
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22. CULTURAL UNIT
The Cultural Unit is run by Indigenous staff who aim to deliver a range of programs and
services within the centre to:
 Assist and support Indigenous offenders
 Provide cultural advice and awareness to staff
The Cultural Unit is responsible for:
 Being involved in the Leave of Absence application process for Indigenous offenders
(for example to attend funerals)
 Facilitating or coordinating cultural development and support programs (for example the
Peer Support Program)
 Assisting Indigenous offenders to establish and maintain family and community contact
 Verifying Indigenous offenders’ family, kinship and community relationships
 Providing advice about cultural issues in relation to offender assessment and
management issues (such as At-Risk Assessments, Offender Management Plans etc)
It is important that when you are doing your induction that you provide the requested
information to the Cultural Unit staff about your community of origin so that they can contact
you community to confirm your family relationships.
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23. SENTENCE MANAGEMENT UNIT
The Sentence Management Unit (SMU) is responsible for all aspects of sentence calculation
and sentence management including parole applications, assessing your classification and
developing and reviewing your Offender Management Plan.
Upon arrival at Townsville Womens Correctional Centre, all prisoners are assessed by the
Sentence Management Unit in accordance with procedures outlined in the Corrective
Services Act 2006.
Initially, your warrants are received from the court and depending on the outcome either
remanded in custody or sentenced your Offender File will be created. SMU is responsible
for providing instruction on the calculation of your sentence, release dates, and or
outstanding court appearances. Once your sentence calculation has been finalised and
undergoes thorough checking processes, you will be provided with a copy of your release
dates or future court appearance dates via the internal mail.
All prisoners will receive either a HIGH or LOW security classification upon reception at the
centre and will initially be accommodated in a secure unit.
23.1 ESCAPE RISK ASSESSMENT
All prisoners will receive an Escape Risk Assessment upon arrival at the centre which
incorporates past escape history including attempts and current escape risk factors are taken
into account when making the assessments. Escape Risk Assessments are: High, Moderate
or Minimum.
23.2 ACCOMMODATION PLACEMENT
If you show good behaviour you will more than likely be eligible for progression through the
centre’s accommodation areas. Prisoners who are being detained on remand only are more
likely to remain in the Secure units until all outstanding court appearances have been
finalised.
ACCOMMODATION AREAS
Secure
Residential
Work Camp
Low security classifications are assigned to those prisoners who are assessed as eligible for
open accommodation and who have either progressed through the system or have been
sentenced to a short period of imprisonment for non-violent offences. Work Camp placement
incorporates numerous assessments and clearances which must be obtained to be eligible.
Prisoners accommodated at the Bowen Work Camp must be willing and able to work as
manual labour is required.
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23.3 CALLING IN OUTSTANDING WARRANTS/ FINES
If you think you have fines or warrants, ask to speak to sentence management.
Arrangements can be made to call these in so that you don’t have to pay your fines when
you get out.
23.4 TRANSFERS
Should you have valid reasons to relocate to another centre you will need to speak with
Sentence Management about applying for a transfer. Please note transfers can take some
time to occur, if for some reason you need to transfer quickly please advise Sentence
Management of your circumstances at the time of application.
CORRECTIONAL CENTRES FOR FEMALE PRISONERS IN QUEENSLAND
CENTRE
STATUS
CLASSIFICATION
Townsville
Mainstream
High and Low
Brisbane Womens
Mainstream/Protection
High
Numinbah, via Nerang
Mainstream
Low
Helena Jones Community
Mainstream
Low
Correctional Centre
 To apply for a transfer, ask for a transfer form via the request form and address it to
Sentence Management
 Transfers are recommended when greater family support / visits will occur.
 It is ultimately up to the receiving centre to accept your transfer. Security issues are
always considered before accepting any transfer.
 Transfers to other centres in Queensland can take up to 6 months to process.
 Interstate transfers are also available in exceptional cases however; this is a very
lengthy process and on average will take approximately 18 months to 2 years to
occur.
ALL LOCAL COURT MATTERS ARE TO BE FINALISED PRIOR TO APPLYING FOR
TRANSFER TO ANOTHER CORRECTIONAL CENTRE
23.5 BAIL APPLICATIONS
When you appear in court you are either granted bail or remanded in custody. If you are
remanded in custody then you may be entitled to make an application to seek bail. You
should seek legal advice from your lawyer or legal aid. To be able to speak to your lawyer
you will need to complete an Offender Telephone System Access Request (Legal
Practioner).
If you are seeking bail from a Supreme Court Judge, then you can make application through
your solicitor or you can apply through the "Bail by Mail" program. You should consult your
counsellor for further information and the procedures to make this application.
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23.6 APPEALS
When you appear in court and receive a sentence, your lawyer should provide you with
advice as to whether the sentence is excessive or whether there are legal grounds to appeal
either your sentence or conviction.
You should seek advice from either legal aid or your private solicitor if you are unsure
whether you have grounds to appeal or not. This should be arranged as per the procedure
listed in the Bail Applications category (above).
If you do not have legal representation and wish to appeal then you should consult with your
counsellor for further information and the necessary forms to lodge your own appeal
application.
24. PSYCHOLOGISTS & COUNSELLORS
OUR ROLE:
Assessment Services focuses on the assessment and intervention of offenders throughout
their incarceration.
OUR FUNCTIONS:
Receptions
 Interview all offenders during the reception process to ensure that
offenders individual needs are identified, assessed and appropriate
made for treatment of these needs.
the
referrals are
At Risk Management
 To assess offenders risk to self and others. This assessment is done at the
reception process but it can be assessed at any point of your incarceration.
 If you feel upset or have thoughts of self harm or wanting to harm others you
need to inform staff about
 An Assessment Services Staff member will assess your level of risk.
25. COMPLAINTS MANAGEMENT
If you have a complaint, in the first instance see your unit Officer. Talk to them about your
issue and they may be able to help you resolve it without it going further or they may
involve the Supervisor. If the issue can’t be resolved at this level you can write a letter to
the General Manager. For general issues that affect everyone in your unit you can
approach your PAC Delegate who can raise these issues at the Prisoner Advisory
Committee (PAC). From time to time the Official Visitor and Ombudsman will visit the
centre. You will be told by the unit staff when they are coming. You may raise important
issues with them as well as if it is not possible to resolve them any other way. There is a
register located within the Supervisor area for you to record if you want to see the Official
Visitor. A free call phone number is available on the Arunta phone system to speak with the
Ombudsman.
26. FIRE
In the event of a Fire, all prisoners are to assemble at the evacuation point for that area
unless otherwise directed by an Officer.
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Assembly Points are:
SECURE:
The exercise yard in your unit is the assembly point for Secure. You are to stand
in a line in the same order that you stand for muster. This is to let the Officer
make sure that everyone has been accounted for before moving you away from
the unit.
RESIDENTIAL:
The basketball court in front of your unit is the assembly point for Residential. You are to
stand in a line with the other women from your unit.
27. SHOP FRONT REQUESTS
If you need to see staff from the following areas ask the staff to place your name into the
shop front. Different areas will see prisoners on different days depending on the unit.
Details are available in the front of the Shopfront book.

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

Cultural Unit
Sentence Management Unit
Education
Transitions
Assessment Services (Psychologists and Counsellors)
28. PRISONER FORMS
There are many forms that you will be required to fill out to access services. These can
include the below and many more.
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Enrolment onto phone system (Arunta) or changes to the phone system
General Request
Special Visit Request
Property Request
Application for Employment (Industries)
Application to purchase items from the canteen or from outside purchase.
These forms are available near the doors in the secure units and near the phones in the
residential area. If there is not a form for the service that you require in these locations, ask
the unit officer or your PAC delegate. To submit a form hand it to the unit officer.
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29. PAC DELEGATES
You will have a Prisoner Advisory Committee Delegate (PAC) who will raise issues on your
behalf at monthly meetings with management. PAC Delegates are also issued with
information about the centre and programs available. Some prisoners find they are more
comfortable talking to another prisoner to find information and the PAC delegate may be
able to assist you in letting you know where to direct an enquiry.
30. SHOWER INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO OPERATE THE SHOWER
1. Press S (shower) button on side of toilet to start timer
2. Use wall taps to adjust water flow and temperature
3. Press S (shower) button on side of toilet to stop timer
REMEMBER
 Shower time is limited to 6 minutes per day total
 Wait 3 minutes between showers
 Hot water may run out if everyone showers at the same time.
TOILET TIPS
 Only 8 flushes per day in cell
 If possible use common room to save cell flushes
31. MAIL
WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE MAIL?
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 Information downloaded from the internet is forward to
the Manager for their discretion
Newspaper clippings with photo and name of your child only will be forwarded at the
Manager’s discretion and on application
Newspaper clippings for study purposes will be forwarded at the Manager’s discretion
(see extra detail below regarding Newspapers) and on application
Printed copy of an email without email address or IP address
School report cards and awards etc are acceptable from your direct child only
Printed Bookmarks, Inspirational Cards & Cards all to be on cardboard, no plastic, all
are to be without any ribbons, electronic singing mechanisms or scrap booking items.
Child’s Drawings using coloured or lead pencils or textas
Letters smelling of perfume are forwarded at the discretion of Intel
Sheet Music
Community and Church Newsletters/Newspapers at the Manager’s discretion and on
application
Religious pamphlets or flyers
Printed Greeting Cards, Birthday, Mothers Day
Bank Statements
Photos are approved as follows:
- only depict human subjects who are fully clothed (meaning not unclothed, partially
clothed, or wearing underwear or swimwear);
- not depict groups of children in a school, childcare, sporting or organisational context;
and
- only depict children who are directly related to the offender and who are not known to
be victims of the offender.
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WHAT IS UNACCEPTABLE MAIL?
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Competitions entries/ winnings
Stickers
Laminated items
Painted images
Lipstick marks on mail
Cards with ribbons/decorations (printed cards accepted)
Store Catalogues
Children’s paintings
Information (including newspaper clippings) regarding another prisoner or staff
Photos of Children unclothed/ only in a nappy
Religious items such as bibles, books , jewellery including crosses and other religious
items (these are available from the centre’s chaplaincy service)
Crossword Puzzles
Prepaid Envelopes
White out on letters or envelopes
Blank Greeting Cards
32. INFORMATION ON PHOTOS
You can apply to the Activities Officers to have your photo taken while you are in prison.
Photos taken of you can not have other prisoners in them and you must be suitably
dressed. You can display photos on the board in your cell.
Photos may be sent to you in line with the requirements for acceptable mail above. Photos
sent in are not to be laminated.
33. ACCESS TO LEGISLATION & PROCEDURES
You are entitled to read any form of State or Federal Legislation. Copies of the Corrective
Services Act 2006, Penalties & Sentence Act 1992, Judicial Review Act 1991, Right to
Information Act 2009, Information Privacy Act 2009 are available through the Library. Should
a piece of legislation not be available, ask to have your name put in the E-Shopfront register
for an Education Officer to obtain a copy and it will be included in the Library service.
Queensland Corrective Services public access procedures are also available. These procedures
can be accessed via the Library service.
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34. BLOOD BORNE VIRUS & SEXUAL HEALTH
Whilst in the Reception Store you will have received a booklet called ‘Stay Strong, Stay Black,
Stay Clean’. This contains very important information about your health so that you can make
sure you do not participate in anything that could increase your risk of contracting HIV/AIDS,
Hep A, Hep B, Hep C.
Activities that could increase your risk include:
Injecting a drug
Getting a tattoo
Getting a piercing
Using someone else’s toothbrush or razor
Having unprotected sex
Using hair clippers
Courtesy of Family Planning Queensland
35. ANTI-BULLYING & ANTI-VIOLENCE
The Townsville Women’s Correctional Centre is committed to ensuring that you feel safe
within the environment.
BULLYING AND VIOLENCE WILL NOT BE
TOLERATED
For this reason the centre has put in place strategies to prevent bullying and violent
behaviours.
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Bullying and violence can be inflicted physically, sexually, or emotionally and may take the
form of:
Sexual assault;
Physical assault;
Threats of assault;
Gossiping;
Name calling;
Manipulation;
Standover and intimidation;
Verbal abuse;
Racial abuse;
Sexual harassment;
Theft
If at any time you feel you have been victim to any of the above behaviours, you need to
immediately tell an officer or a Peer Support Worker who can help you.
Anyone who inflicts the above behaviours on others may find that they will be placed in the
Detention Unit, on a reduced incentive and privilege level, or on an Intensive Management
Plan where they will have restricted access to buy up options, activities, and employment.
36. INCENTIVES & PRIVILEGES
As a new reception at the Townsville Women’s Correctional Centre, you will be able to
progress through different levels based on behaviour.
Your PAC delegate and Peer Support Worker has all the information you need about
progressing. Please see them for an information pack.
37. WHO IS WHO?
General Manager
Deputy General Manager
Accommodation Manager
Manager Offender Development
Correctional Supervisor
Correctional Officers
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Manager
Offender
Development
Psychologists
Counsellors
Cultural
Liaison
Officer
Activities
Officers
Program
Delivery
Officers
Transitions
Co-ordinators
Sentence
Management
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