A substantive senior management team provided stability
During this inspection, we were pleased to find that Boronia had a substantive management team in place, providing much-needed stability to the centre. In the past, the two most senior roles—Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Security—had been filled by acting staff, following a series of non-permanent appointments (OICS, 2022). This instability had disrupted services and impacted outcomes for residents, prompting our recommendation that the Department prioritise permanent appointments to these key positions. At the time of this inspection, the permanent senior management team brought significant experience, demonstrated forward-thinking leadership, and were implementing positive changes.
A strong focus on personal development, but reintegration opportunities were limited
Boronia provided residents with a variety of programs, employment, and training opportunities designed to build skills and resilience ahead of their release. While the overall range of opportunities was broad, there is still room for improvement. Some residents voiced frustration over administrative barriers that limited access to employment and leave opportunities outside the facility’s perimeter.
Some wellbeing supports could be improved
We found wellbeing supports at Boronia were accessible to residents and played a valuable role in preparing them for reintegration into the community. As a smaller facility, Boronia faces resource limitations, which have affected the delivery of some services – particularly in the area of mental health care. Despite these challenges, the facility continued to provide strong support for pre- and post-natal women and offered meaningful opportunities for residents to maintain connections with their families.
Residents require a safe and inclusive environment
Ensuring residents feel safe is a core aspect of delivering a trauma-informed model of care at Boronia. Overall, our findings showed that Boronia fosters a safe and inclusive environment that promotes self-determination and supports reintegration. This was evident in the resident survey, where 91% of respondents reported feeling safe at the centre. However, there remain opportunities for Boronia to further enhance support for residents’ needs, better manage interpersonal conflicts, and address ongoing security challenges.