The Black Peter

These were but three different types of punishment cells found in Australia!

The Black Peter punishment cells have been confused with many other forms of Detention facilities for breaches of discipline, but this is the real thing. Two under ground cells, no running water, no ventilation, no fixed sanitation and no one can hear you, that's solitary confinment. It smelt, it was damp, it was dark and the quietness was deafening. Double doors and the upper grille gate kept it quiet and free from contraban & conversation.

 The real Black Peter

The Red Brick

All Prisons, Penitentiaries, Gaols and Correctional Facilities have detention cells for use, when discipline breaks down amoungst the prisoner population. However are you aware that some 'Boys Homes' also used them for punishment!. A friend was once placed in one of these cells for punishment, he was 10 years old and put in the righthand cell of this photo. The lefthand cell later being used to house vegetables and the righthand cell now used for fire wood. You will notice the strong wooden doors, the air ventalation system above them and no windows at all, adding to the strength and solitude of this cell block which still stands at Newhaven, on Phillip Island.

The home was established in 1928 as an Orphanage and Training School for problem boys. The official title for the 'Boys Home" was 'St Pauls Training School for Boys', and can be seen at the corner of  Boys Home Road & Forrest Ave, Newhaven. I  went to Wonthaggi Technical School with many of the boys from this home in the sixties, and served with one in the Army. The site was later known and operated by  Anglicare Victoria. The Home has been used for many activities over the years and the buildings still stand stately and close to the water at Westernport Bay. The red brick Chapel is still the most prominent building in the area  commanding magnificent views out onto the Bay.

The White Block

This white block is fenced in, within Fanny Bay Gaol at Darwin. This dual cell block must have been a ripper to do time in during the summer and hot periods of the Nerthern Territory weather, with 40 degree temperatures.

 Many cell door openings were narrow in that era, and they can be seen in many other prisons of Australia.