Expanded jail commissioned, will be operational in October

The state-of-the-art facility includes 220 new maximum security beds for male inmates along with additional ancillary infrastructure.

It represents a $160 million dollar investment in the local economy.

In addition to the two new maximum security wings, the expansion also includes a central stores building, administration building, gatehouse, visits building, reception, health services building, education building staff and visitor parking.

More than 90 new staff will be employed as a result of the expansion including correctional officers, trade overseers, programs and offender services staff, psychologists and admin staff.

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Among the dignitaries attending the commissioning included Commissioner for Corrective Services, Peter Severin, and Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrective Services, Anthony Roberts.

Commissioner Severin said the Bathurst expansion "was a very important part of the State Government's $3.8 billion prison expansion program", which he said "was one of the largest in Australia, if not further afield."

Commissioner Severin thanked the correctional centre staff for assisting during the construction phase in such a proactive way, and spoke of the important role Bathurst Jail has held not only historically but to the present day.

Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole, said the expanded jail, was a modern state-of-the-art facility, which would be enjoyed by those working here, but also importantly would in the rehabilitation of inmates as well.

He said the build reflected a $160 million dollar investment in the local economy creating additional jobs which were important to the local economy.

"There were up to 150 contractors, and subcontractors, many local tradespeople, who worked here on a daily basis," he said.

Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrective Services, Anthony Roberts said the expansion would create a safer environment for staff as well as support inmates, enabling them to engage in programs to reduce re-offending.

"Jail is more then locking up offenders, we need to do what we can to stop them re-offending, and Bathurst Correctional Centre plays a vital role in doing this," he said.

During Thursday's Commissioning, Commissioner Severin and Minister Roberts also took the opportunity to thank staff at Bathurst Correctional Centre, not only for their support during the expansion, but for their work during the bush-fire crisis earlier this year.

Minister Roberts said the conditions were unprecedented and required staff to evacuate and relocate inmates from three jails, including Oberon. He said Corrections had never responded to a crisis of such magnitude, but the staff showed incredible commitment, meeting the challenge head on. With staff receiving certificates of appreciation.