Please also refer to the general information about contacting and visiting prisoners which is the same for all prisons in Victoria.
Getting there
Car
From Melbourne, follow either the Princes Highway (M1) or Citylink (M2) to the Western Ring Road (M80).
The M80 becomes the National Highway (M8) towards Melton and Ballarat.
Take the Robinsons Road exit and turn right. Continue along Robinsons Road to Riding Boundary Road.
Turn left onto Riding Boundary Road and continue along that road until you reach the Ravenhall Correctional Centre.
Public transport
On the corner of Queen Street, and Bourke Street, catch the 216 bus to Sunshine Railway Station.
Alternatively, the Sunbury train line stops at Sunshine Railway Station.
From Sunshine Railway Station take the 400 bus to Laverton. The 400 Laverton bus stops at the entry gate of the Ravenhall Correctional Centre.
Visiting times
To visit a prisoner, you must be on their approved list. Once on the list, the prisoner will be able to book a visit according to the visit session times listed below.
Each prisoner can have up to 2 visits per week, contact or video. Only one visit is permitted per prisoner per day. A maximum of 4 visitors are allowed per contact visit.
It is recommended that you phone the prison before you visit to check that there are no issues on the day of your booked visit.
All visitors must follow the COVIDSafe visiting procedures.
Please read the Ravenhall Correctional Centre visits brochure.
Mainstream
Mainstream restricted (child free)
Protection
Protection restricted (child free)
Visitors should attend at least 40 minutes prior to their appointment to allow time for processing.
Animals are prohibited in the Ravenhall Correctional Centre car park.
All visitors are subject to the Corrections Act 1986, and Corrections Regulations 2009.
Visitors are required to submit to an electronic search of their person prior to entry. Visitors’ property/belongings will also be subjected to an electronic search at the time of processing.
Visit conditions
For conditions of entry that apply to all prisons, such as general behaviour and the search process, refer to the general information for contacting and visiting a prisoner.
Authorised items allowable into centre by visitors:
- jewellery (minimal)
- baby items – Single empty baby bottle (clear), single scoop of baby formula, dummy and a bib
- single bank card
- legal papers with prior approval
- one Asthma spray
- locker key supplied by the centre.
Non-authorised articles into centre by visitors:
- no food
- no drinks
- no tobacco products, including nicotine patches
- no briefcases
- no bags
- no prams
- no telephones
- no USB storage devices
- no medication (medication is to be placed in a locker at front reception, if medication is required the visitor is to be taken to front reception).
Prohibited items: A prohibited item ('contraband') is anything introduced or found in a prison that is not permitted. It is a criminal offence to bring any form of contraband onto prison property. Prohibited items include:
- weapons
- drugs and drug-related paraphernalia
- explosive substances or devices
- flammable or corrosive liquids
- alcohol
- tattooing equipment.
This is not an exhaustive list. Any visitor found introducing contraband into a prison or onto prison property may be banned from all visits at all prisons for a minimum period of 12 months and the matter will be referred to the police.
No smoking on prison grounds, including carparks and smoking gear is to be left secured within the vehicle glove box.
Lockers are available for visitors. These are located in the front reception area. A $1 coin is required to operate the lockers.
From the 8th of April 2023, the visit centre canteen will be open for weekend visits only, with one purchase per table per session. It is a cashless system and only one card will be permitted with the visitor. No toilet breaks are permitted during the visit session.
Standards of behaviour
Intoxicated persons or persons under the influence of drugs will not be permitted entry. Persons displaying aggressive or offensive behaviour will not be tolerated and failure to comply may lead to termination of visit.
Identification for visitors over 16
A “V” (Visitor) Card, PLUS a driver’s licence, passport or other forms of current ID totalling 100 points. The point value of other forms of ID can be found on the identification information page or please contact the centre.
A ‘V’ card will be issued to you on your first visit. The visitors current photo identification must be sighted on each entry to the prison.
Adult visitors (over the age of 16 years) must be on the prisoner’s valid visitor list to gain entry to the Centre. Only the prisoner can add a name to their list. To do this, they need to provide staff with the name of the visitor, address and date of birth.
To find out if you are on the list you need to verify with the prisoner you intend visiting or call (03) 8363 6355 between 9am - 3pm Monday-Sunday or contact Corrections Victoria on 1300 191 835 Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm.
Children under 16 years of age must enter with a registered adult. Proof of ID must be sighted for persons 16 years and above.
Do you have any information that may impact on the security of this Centre?
If so, please call the Information Hotline and leave your message OR Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. This service is “completely confidential” and your valuable assistance will be appreciated.
Ravenhall Visits Hotline – Phone: (03) 8363 6355, staffed only Wednesday 9am - Friday 12pm
Writing to a Prisoner
If you want to write to a prisoner the postal address is:
[Name of Prisoner and CRN if known]
Ravenhall Correctional Centre
Po Box 490
St Albans VIC 3021
Mail can also be placed in the ‘Prisoner’s Mail Box’ located in the front reception area.
Visitors with a criminal history
A person with a criminal history may be required to have a letter of permission from the General Manager of this Centre (to be carried on every visit).
To obtain this, the applicant must write to the General Manager giving their full name, address, date of birth, who they wish to visit and their relationship to the prisoner. Alternatively, you can request a “Visitor Application” form and return completed to the address below. A response to your request will be forwarded to you as promptly as possible.
Send your request for a letter of permission to:
The General Manager
Ravenhall Correctional Centre
Po Box 490
St Albans VIC 3021
Dress standards for visitors
Prisoners are encouraged to maintain contact with their family and friends and one way to do this, is via visits.
As a visitor to a prison, you are required to follow prison rules, including complying with visitor dress standards, which assist in keeping prisons safe.
There are a range of factors that staff must consider when processing visitors, including the visitor’s clothing or items accompanying the visitor, and the suitability of these items for a prison environment.
Such considerations include clothing items that can be used to conceal contraband, conceal a person’s identity, or breach security, or clothing that could lead to unrest or cause incidents amongst prisoners.
Visitors are encouraged to refer to this list as a guide and to contact the prison directly where they are unsure if their attire will be suitable for a prison visit.
The following clothing items are not permitted for the purpose of a prison visit.
- Gang affiliated clothing, colours or patches
- Clothing displaying racist/derogatory/sexist or profane messaging, imagery or symbolism
- Clothing that is considered to be inappropriately revealing of private body parts or sexually provocative in nature. This may include clothing that is:
- sheer or see through
- low cut
- very short e.g. high cut shorts that reveal upper thigh or buttocks, football shorts, miniskirts
- exposing e.g. midriff or crop tops
- Gloves
- High visibility workwear due to similarity in attire with contracted workers
- Open-toed shoes
- Scarves (excluding for religious purposes)
- Watches including any type of smart watch or Fitbit activity device
Visitors should also be mindful that the following items may pose a concern:
- Boots and thick sole shoes
- Hair pieces such as headbands, scrunchies etc
- Hooded tops or jumpers
- Jewellery, particularly where it is excessive
- Sleeveless or strapless clothing
- Windcheaters, track-pants or t-shirts that are bottle green (men’s prisons) or royal blue (woman’s prisons) due to similarity with prison issued clothing
Please note that there may be other circumstances where an item of clothing is considered to present a security risk or safety concern.
Staff may ask visitors to present an item to be searched, including the removal of hair pieces or jewellery where there are concerns that contraband may be concealed.
You may be asked to place any items of concern into a visitor locker for the duration of your visit.
You may also be required to wear a prison issued T-shirt for visitors.
Failure to follow the prison rules may result in sanctions. This may include entry to the prison being refused, non-contact visits or a possible visiting ban.
Property and money
All property must have a return address. Ravenhall is currently only accepting the following items to be posted or dropped off:
- 3 pairs of underwear and 3 pairs of socks.
- Photographs (postcard size only, no polaroids), must be photo quality paper – a maximum of 6 per week.
- 1 suit or dress pants, shoes, tie, belt and shirt (for court – with prior approval).
Prisoner Monies
Refer to the Sending Money section of the contacting and visiting prisoners page for details about how much money can be provided for a prisoner and in what format.
Prisoners’ maximum monthly allowance is $150 per calendar month. An additional maximum of $70 per month for the prisoner's phone is permitted if approval has been granted from Ravenhall management.
Ravenhall will accept money via electronic funds transfer through Secure Payment Services or via Money Orders. No cash will be accepted.
Prison profile
Security level
Medium security - Sentenced and remand male prisoners
Accommodation
75 dedicated forensic mental health beds, and forensic mental health services for approximately 100 other prisoners at the prison on an outpatient basis.
Areas of focus
- New approaches to reducing the risk of reoffending
- Integrated and holistic model of care for prisoners with a mental illness
- Targeted approach for prisoners with challenging behaviours
- Indigenous prisoners
- Improved responsiveness to the complexities of young adult prisoners
- Programs and services for prisoners serving shorter sentences
- Pre and post-release services
History
Victoria’s 15th and most technically advanced prison, Ravenhall Correctional Centre was officially opened on 12 October 2017, and began receiving prisoners on Monday, 13 November 2017.