Parramatta Gaol: Building layout, prisoner’s routine and employment - Part 2

Area East of the Parramatta Gaol

Between the Dunlop and Barney Streets – there are two timber residences to accommodate officers. These residence s were built in early 1900s. One of the residences on the southern side is used as officers mess and the second one on the northern side is used as recreational hall. The northern residence was used as male detention centre to house 22 prisoners on the weekends.

There are two single story cottages between the Barney and Board Streets. One of the cottages was occupied by 10 parole officers, one welfare officer and administrative staff of the Parramatta Probation and Parole Service. The second cottage was used for administrative functions on 24 hours basis e.g. handling of emergency situations, movement of prisoners for Parramatta, Malwa, Silverwater, Norma Parker centre and Emu Plains Gaols.

Prisoners spending- According to Parramatta Gaol Study conducted by NSW Department of Public Works in 1980–prisoners in Parramatta Gaol earned sum of $12 to $32 per week. Collectively all the prisoners were earning $500,000. Many prisoners were sending all their money at home where as $48,000 annually was spent on radios, record players, tapes, books and art craft material. According to 1974 prison census - 53.7% of Parramatta prisoner population is aged between 26 and 34, 32.4% is under 26.

The Gaol Complex

Parramatta Gaol complex cover is spread in approximately 4.4 hectares - from Dunlop Street in the south to the banks of the Darling Mills Creek in the north. The Gaol area is rectangular in shape (345m x 130m) and is defining three areas of the complex – Gaol, Linen service and sports yard by 6– 7 meter high secure wall.

Linen Service- the Parramatta Linen Service had an industrial laundry, landscaped lawns, a gatehouse and vehicle lock connecting the zone with the Gaol. Linen service used to provide laundry service to the range of state institutions and provide employment to the inmates.

Bootshop – The bootmaker or Tinsmith building separate wings 1, 2 and 3 from wings 4, 5 and 6. The bootshop is been used for various things over the years. Tailor shop was at the first floor whereas ground floor was used for office, building maintenance workshop, prisoners canteen and television repair shop.

Gaol and Sports Yard– The Gaol zone is divided by Bootshop building into two sectors - northern sector and southern sector.

Stay tuned for part 3...