Yatala Labour Prison, Historic prison in Northfield, Australia
Yatala Labour Prison is a high-security correctional facility in Northfield that spreads across a large complex with multiple divisions for male prisoners of different security classifications. The facility operates from Peter Brown Drive and houses different types of inmates based on their security needs.
Operations began in 1854 when twenty-five inmates were transferred to work in nearby quarries extracting stone for road construction. This early labor-based approach shaped the development of South Australia's prison system.
The name Yatala comes from the Kaurna Aboriginal language and refers to water inundation, reflecting the indigenous heritage of the South Australian region. This linguistic connection reminds visitors of the original inhabitants' presence in the area.
Visitors must follow strict security protocols and present 100 points of identification documentation along with biometric screening before entering. Prior registration is required to gain access to the facility.
The facility runs workshops where inmates produce sofa frames and road signs while participating in rehabilitation and vocational training programs. This hands-on work serves as a key element in preparing people for reentry into society.
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