Occurrence Book
1991Large, rectangular, red bound, hard cover book. Reports and Occurrences book for 2 Division, dated 1991. On the front of the book in black ink is handwritten, "Fremantle Prison/ Reports and Occurrences/ Number 2 Cellular Division/ Incorporating N05 1 & 3 Divisions/ Commencing On October-7th-1991/ Concluding On October-31st-1991". Approximately 40 pages of the book are filled, while the remainder of the book is empty.
The book was found onsite at Fremantle Prison after closure and provides a record of the operation of the prison during its last month including the last entry record for the final day of operations on 31st October 1991. As such it is a primary source offering proof of the final month of the Prison’s operations before its closure.
Details
Details
Fremantle Prison/ Reports and Occurrences/ Number 2 Cellular Division/ Incorporating N05 1 & 3 Divisions/ Commencing On October-7th-1991/ Concluding On October-31st-1991
The 4th January 1988 riot, fire and ensuing hostage situation were pivotal events that had long lasting impacts on the future use of the prison and one of the reasons for the eventual closure in 1991. The estimated damage bill to the Prison was between $1.5 and $2 million. An inquiry held examined the prison conditions and was highly critical of the Prison’s outdated facilities. The government began plans for a new prison, and Fremantle finally closed in November 1991, 80 years after its closure was initially recommended in the 1911 Royal Commission.
As Fremantle Prison prepared for closure, cells were gradually emptied of prisoners, beginning in June 1991. Prisoners were transferred to the new Casuarina Prison and other prisons over several months. The last prisoners were transferred on 31st October 1991.
The prison was formally closed on 8 November 1991. A large ceremony commemorating the occasion was held on the same day, with staff, their families and dignitaries attending. After the Official De-commissioning Ceremony, guests were invited to view ‘points of interest in the Prison’. On Friday 24th January 1992 Fremantle Prison opened as a tourist attraction heritage site.
There are 52 objects relating to the theme of the prison’s closure in the museum’s collection database. One such item is a handwritten declaration by Superintendent Moore concerning the last prisoner to be taken out of Fremantle Prison before its closure. This item, taken together with the occurrence book, are representative of the end of the prison’s operational life. The occurrence book has historical significance as an object and primary historical source. It also expands on an underrepresented theme regarding the history and experience of prison officers.
