Shortland and Cessnock Correctional Centres

Background

This was the second inspection of Cessnock Correctional Centre (Cessnock CC) and Shortland Correctional Centre (Shortland CC). In 2018, both centres were inspected as part of the inspection of health services in NSW correctional facilities. Unlike that inspection, this inspection examined all aspects of the two correctional centres.

Where we inspected

Cessnock CC and Shortland CC are both located within the Cessnock Correctional Complex, which is located on the land of the Wonnarua people in the Hunter Valley, 151 kilometres north-west of Sydney.

Recommendations

The Inspector made 91 recommendations within the report. These include systemic and facility specific improvements in:

• Conditions and treatment of inmates
• Staffing and custodial support and procedures
• Access to health and services for inmates
• Custodial infrastructure

Report

The Inspection of Shortland Correctional Centre and Cessnock Correctional Centre (2023) report was tabled in NSW parliament and published in June 2024.

Inspection of Shortland Correctional Centre and Cessnock Correctional Centre (2023) Report.  (PDF, 9.3 MB)

Media Release (PDF, 46.2 KB)