Functions & Events
Boggo Road Jail is a very different venue for:
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The prison is currently closed for redevelopment, scheduled to reopen late 2010.
Register your interest in Functions when the gaol reopens
It is the late 1900s. It is late afternoon and officials from the Prisons Department in George Street, Brisbane have arrived to inspect the His Majesty's Goal for Women, located beside the established Men's Gaol. This is entirely occupied by women. No men are permitted to enter the gates without the presence of female officers. The officials are eager to see the layout as well as the inmates, particularly the infamous resident "Lifer" Florence MacDonald, who has supposedly reformed her ways. Guests become part of this scenario either as "Officials" or "Inmates".
"Inmates" are escorted by Wardresses to the yard to prepare for the night where they will meet their fellow inmates, hardened old prostitutes, young pretty drunks, and former trouble-makers who have found religion all of which do not want to be locked up for the night. 13 long hours await them in darkness. Most have families or children outside. None want to stay too long. The longer they are in, the less money they earn.
"Officials" are escorted by either the Senior Wardress or the Matron to inspect the facilities and will get the privilege of being present at a muster of residents in the yard. Trouble is the last thing on their minds.
Through the gates it is the mid 1950s in notorious Number Two Division, Her Majesty's Prison Brisbane a.k.a. Boggo Road Gaol. This is an entirely male section of the prison complex. There are no women inside these walls. Prisoners here are serving sentences greater than 3 years. Most are "Lifers", serving time 12 years plus for murder. It is 4.15 PM, the end of the day, time for the daily muster of prisoners. It is a tense time, all officers are at their posts, and the Senior is on the Compound overseeing procedures. An armed guard mans the tower in case there is trouble. Guests become part of this scenario either as "Officials" or "Prisoners".
"Prisoners" are marched under escort from the Workshops and put into the yards. In the yard already are men who have been waiting all day. They are tired and hungry. Here they wash, collect debts owed, chase bets to be put on and prepare for the night. They are soon to be locked up for the night in their cells ("slots") and the routine serving of their dinner meal will occur.
But before dinner they will have to be counted and have roll call to ensure that all are present. "Officials" are in attendance as Prison Officers make sure that all buttons are done up, all loose clothing is tucked in, and everyone is in line. They will fall in to be searched. Prisoners just want to get to the safety and security of their cells, away from the fights, anger and hate of the yard and other men. They don't want delays, but there will be one...