Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre
The Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre originally opened in 1966 using pre-existing buildings. There has been an immigration presence at the Hampstead Road site for approximately 55 years. Initially the facility was known as the Maribyrnong Migrant Hostel. This was upgraded to a modern centre in the late 1960s and renamed the Midway (Migrant) Hostel. The Midway site is now part of the Victorian University Campus (student accommodation) built in 1989.
The current purpose-built Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre was opened in 1983. It caters for people who have over-stayed their visa or had their visa cancelled because they failed to comply with their visa conditions, and some adult male Irregular Maritime Arrivals. People refused entry to Australia at international airports and seaports are also detained there.
Accommodation and facilities
The Maribyrnong facility is discreetly located at the end of a long driveway and set well back from the road. In June 2005, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works approved extension to the existing Maribyrnong facility and recommended refurbishment. The expansion and refurbishments have significantly improved the amenity, increasing the capacity of the centre to up to 99 people. Further minor works to support its operations are currently underway.
The existing building is divided into six areas:
- a new visitors reception area to improve reception amenity and security
- administration area, including a health services room for primary health care
- services provider offices, control room, kitchen and dining areas, and visits area
- male residents area
- female residents area.
The residents' areas include bedrooms, recreational and educational facilities, washing and laundry areas, limited self-catering facilities and outdoor exercise areas.
The administration wing provides office accommodation for departmental and detention services provider staff. All operational and maintenance aspects of the centre are undertaken by the detention services provider.
See: Detention Services Provider Contract
Capacity
Information on accommodation capacity at immigration detention facilities is available on the department's website.
See: Accommodation Capacity
Contact details
Contact details and visiting hours information is available on the department's website.
See: Contact Details for the Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre