Minutes VPI 24-11-2019

Open with the Preamble

Present: Peter O’D, Sandy P, Peter W, Tony S, Frank O’L, Doug W, Adam C (Visitor), John (MAP) Jeremy (Visitor) Peter M, Scott (VPI). Apologies: Andrea, Peter G, Laurie P, David A, Peter T 1. Minutes from previous meeting approved - moved Frank O’L - seconded Tony S - All agreed

2. Prison Visit Reports

2.1 Melbourne Assessment Prison - MAP: Doug W, John B MAP is stable now with five volunteers sharing a 2 x 2 + 1 roster. Small attendances, but as per our primary purpose the message is being delivered, the message is that there is AA in all prisons. Challenge being a short stay.

2.2 MRC: Frank O’L Similar to last quarterly report the MRC is not getting many attending AA meetings usually 0 – 6. We are still holding 2 meetings each Wednesday 9.30am – 10.45 and 11.15 – 12.30 and each meeting is for only one Area to stop the meetings being abused by most of those previously coming to meeting and only wanting to meet up with other Area prisoners not for attending AA meetings. The reason for the two meetings is so that they can attend meetings every second week.

2.3 Dame Phyllis Frost: Lynne G (Michael from Sunbry has taken over as Friday Co-Ord) This will be my last report for the prison Intergroup. I have finished service at the Women's Prison after 13 years. It has been a privilege and honour to have been of service.

AA currently attends Dame Phyllis Frost 3 days a week. There is a meeting held every second Sunday in the leisure centre. This is facilitated by 2 to 3 AA members and is well attended. Gabby I manages the Sunday roster. My name is currently listed as a contact for the Womens prison and Gabby has agreed to now be the contact. Could the VPI records be amended to reflect this please? I have given Gabby's phone number to Frank if there are any enquiries. AA runs an 'Introduction to AA program' on a Friday morning. This is facilitated by Kristi J and is well attended every week by 10 to 20 women. AA holds a meeting in the protection area every Thursday morning. This was being facilitated by Barb, and myself but will now be facilitated by Michael P and Barb. On average 10 women attend. I have been collecting literature for all three meetings in the past. Gabby, Kristie and Michael have been made aware of the Prison Intergroup and been encouraged to attend.

2.4 Ravenhall: Peter M We have currently three AA members with full clearances attending Ravenhall Prison every Friday afternoon. In the last month, Peter T has managed to obtain escorted clearances for five New AA members to come in on a rotating roster when they can. AA has been at Ravenhall since the Prison opened. The meeting is held at the program section within the prison and this allows all prisoners in the General community to attend. A meeting in protection recently requested by prison management has not yet eventuated but we are hopeful it for the future. The prisoners hold their own meetings on Friday’s after the main meeting. Currently there are over 45 prisoners on the list to attend AA and NA meetings. Regular attendance is about eight. A mature prisoner has been elected secretary of the group and is very proactive in attracting new members and supporting existing ones. The group conscience has named the group “The Ravens Group” This meeting has been supported and encouraged by program management. Peter T has supplied a structured format for the meeting, which is followed by the members. The Prison library is supplied with AA literature and the librarian. The program people at the prison are friends of AA and continue to be supportive. VPI literature is circulated and appreciated by the prisoners. The AA meetings are encouraged by the prison professionals. We need more AA members with good sobriety to join us and get and give the benefits of service as set out in the first paragraph of Chapter 7 of the Big Book.

2.5 Port Phillip Prison: Peter O'D

Members Roster We have five members with current active clearance, although one of these has not attended for several weeks. Additionally, two members have sought documentation to consider applications for clearance but have yet to apply. Regular attendance by the AA Members is vital if we are to build a trust relationship with Inmates and Staff, and maintain it. As the saying goes, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating!” We must deliver on the promises we make. If we say we will be present every Saturday we must turn up. This requires two elements: (1) being on the Roster requires a real commitment to attend regularly; and (2) we clearly need more members willing to join the roster.

Regular Arrangements within Port Phillip We continue to conduct weekly Meetings on Saturday mornings 9.30 – 10.45. Attendance numbers Vary, as does continuity of attendance by individual inmates. The statistical breakdown for the period 1 May to 31 October 2019 is as follows:

Total Prisoners who have attended 44 - Ranging across all eleven Mainstream Units

Totals by times a prisoner has attended Once-29; Twice-10;Three-2, Four-1; Six-1; Nine-1

We continue to distribute basic Literature Items – Beginners Packs, Little BBs and 12x12s The security regime within Port Phillip directly affects who can attend and prisoners must apply for Security clearance from prison authorities by midnight Sunday each week. I then receive a list of those cleared to attend by Tuesday/Wednesday. Further, there are some Units from which prisoners are simply never allowed to attend. In addition, circumstances in individual Units on the day may mean prisoners are prevented from attending even if they have been given security clearance. And not surprisingly some prisoners decide on the day that, even if cleared, they won’t come – for whatever reason. In addition to conducting the Meeting, we continue to visit individual Units to ensure that prisoners are aware of the AA presence and requirements for attending the Meeting. This also means we make contact with prisoners who are not able to attend the Meeting. We have a good relationship with the prisoners who meet with us and they are very appreciative of our regular presence. Our relationship with Prison Staff is very positive. Regularity and consistency of attendance by AA Volunteers is crucial in this regard. Invitation I have recently been offered the opportunity to attend one of the regular Staff Meetings to make a short presentation about AA and what it is we offer to Prisoners. I am awaiting finalisation of details for this.

Security Clearance Requirements The process for obtaining clearance for volunteers remains a relatively protracted one, requiring the completion and submission of significant documentation, participation in a full day Induction Program and a realistic timeframe from start to finish of around three months.

2.6 Dhurringile: Peter G Over the last quarter Dhurringile Prison AA group has held an hour-long meeting every Wednesday initially at 6pm and now at 5:45pm. We have had between none and four members from the prison, and one to three local members attending. Dealing with the institution has brought some new challenges of late, as staff changes have come with new demands and protocols to our little group. The AA program gives us the ability to adapt to change and gratitude for the support that has been afforded to us in the past. This quarter we recruited a new member from the outside who has gained clearance, as yet he has not attended. At Dhurringile we do not run a roster system, rather the local members with clearance come when they can. This seems to be working well.

2.7 Langhi KalKal: David A No report

2.8 Lodden & Middleton: David T We have 2 members attending the prison on a weekly basis on Wednesday evening, there are 2 sections to the prison, Loddon & Middleton. Loddon meeting starts @ 5pm until 6:20pm and then we go to Middleton that starts @7pm until 8pm. Loddon meeting is starting to improve, however there have been difficulty in consistency due to a lock down last week and at times the prisoners not attending on a regular basis with sometimes the person who is the secretary not opening up due to no real reason. The numbers can be from 2 to 6 prisoners. Middleton however is a strong meeting, numbers vary due to departures to other prisons or release from prison, we averaged about 8 to 12 prisoners. Overall it is a privilege to be able to attend the meetings and at this time there are 2 regulars from the Castlemaine area AA groups attending, this is room for more dependent on clearance and legal obligations the prison has to ensure the safety of AA's and that of the prison, yours in service, Dave T.

2.9 Barwon / Marngoneet / Karrenga Prisons: Peter W

Report, Acknowledgements, Request Al-anon/Corrections, Quarterly Meeting 18th November 2019. Prisons in the Barwon South West Region: HM Prison Barwon, Lara. Marngoneet Correctional Centre, Lara. Karreenga Correctional Centre, Lara. Acknowledgements: Donations: Unfortunately, there are No Known Donations from the Geelong Region this Quarter.

HM Prison Barwon/Maximum Security Meetings continue to grow and are now much more stable, with Main Stream Prisoners now regularly attending Meetings. Currently 9-10 men attending every week, inclusive of Regulars and The Usual Suspects/Newbies. I now also attend in the SMU (Sentence Management Units) upon individual request from Prisoners. Interesting to note, Barwon is primarily for SVO’s (serious violent offenders) with long term sentences. Some of the men have as much as 15 at the Top, without a Bottom, but find and report, that by being committed to engaging in the Program of Recovery, life on the inside is far easier with the Program, other than without it, recognised by family, friends and Prison Staff. These men are committed to learning more about the AA Program of Recovery and continue to encourage others to attend. One Man has since been released from HM Prison Barwon and has made contact with me in relation to meetings, staying connected with the Program on the outside and the necessary arrangements, and connections have been made. Time/Date: 10.00 am Every Thursday Morning. Duration: 2hrs Main- Stream – SMU – TBA - Individuals – 1 on 1, varies. Prisoners: 9-10 Regulars & Newbies Main Stream. SMU is now also a part of the AA Program, upon individual request from Prisoners. AA Members: One only, without Escort on an Orange Pass. Prison Library has sufficient AA Literature. Relationships with Staff and Management are Excellent.

Marngoneet Correctional Centre/Remand & Sentenced Medium/Security There are now two x New Services, As Requested at Marngoneet, by Corrections & Justice Victoria. They are as follows: VPI has been invited into The Atlas Program, which is designed specifically for Prisoners on Remand, who are awaiting either Bail or Free time, subject to Court Proceedings. VPI’s Role is to make Prisoners aware of support services, either in Prison and or on release, such as AA meetings, web site information and various other AA contact details, that may be available to them, as well as information about Al-anon and Al-a teen. A request has been made to Al-anon for information, which has since been received and distributed. Interesting to note, that Management involved in the Atlas Program, were completely unaware of Al-anon and a request has been made by the CEO of Al-anon, to be introduced to Corrections and Justice in the Barwon Region, to make a Power Point presentation to them, Corrections. Al-anon CEO, has also asked to be invited to the next available VPI Meeting, and I have requested the VPI Secretary, to make the necessary arrangements where possible, through the VPI Committee. Furthermore, Corrections & Justice, through Karraneesh, which is Marngoneet’s in house training facility, bearing in mind that Marngoneet, is a Programs Correction Centre, in conjunction with The Karreenga Correctional Centre and is “Not a Prison” has also invited VPI, to join their Changing Trak’s Program, which is also to provide further AA information and support services which are available to Prisoners, who are either incaserated or about to be released. A day at Marngoneet now starts at 8.30am – 7.00pm; unfortunately, there are “No” further VPI/AA Members available at this time. Unless this changes in the immediate future, all of these current services will inevitably, become, Unsustainable, financially, physically, as well as emotional and may possible be terminated. General Meetings continue to grow and do fluctuate, due to the transient and itinerate nature of the Correction Centre. Still, regular Sentenced attendees, encourage Newbies to attend the AA meeting, as do Prisoners on The Remand Side and those who are finally sentenced, continue to attend the Meetings. The Big Book Study now has five x Regular Prisoners attend, which is conducted from 3.00 pm, prior to the main meeting, which is held at 5.30 pm in the Health Centre. Time/Date: 8.00am – 7.00pm Every Wednesday. Prisoners: 15-20 Regulars & Newbies/Mainstream Meeting. Prisoners: 14-20 Atlas Program. Prisoners: 10-20 Changing Trak’s Program. AA Members: two at this time on Green Passes, without Escort. Prison Library has sufficient AA Literature. Relationships with Staff, Management, and Prisoners are Excellent.

Karreenga Correctional Centre/Protection Medium Security

Meetings continue to grow and Newbies are introduced to the AA Program of Recovery, by the long term sentenced Prisoners, who have attended since the beginning, some 18 months ago. Time/Date: 5.30 pm Every Tuesday Afternoon. Duration:1hr to 1 and a half. Prisoners: 15-20 Regulars & Newbies. AA Members: 2 at this time on Green Passes, without Escort. Prison Library has sufficient AA Literature. Relationships with Staff, Management, Prisoners are Excellent.

All meetings are of a uniform conduct and consist of the following information and procedures: All Meetings Commence with The AA Preamble & Close with The Serenity Prayer. All Meetings and Prisoners Attending, sign into Meetings with their Name & CRN. All Meetings have 3 x AA Banners Displayed, 12 Steps/12 Traditions/Serenity Prayer.

2.10 Beechworth – Brett

2.11 Fulham – Matt W Great news with Fulham is Matt W is working hard with the correctional manager Colleen to re-establish AA attendance to the meetings in Fulham. Recently the inmates have been running meetings themselves with literature being sent to Barbara the Chaplin. Hopefully, by the next VPI meeting we will be back up and running.

3. Treasurers Report: Andrea Average donation $200 per month Balance as of the 24thNov 2019 $2,587.21 (Less prudent reserve.)

4. Literature Report: Frank O’L New order this Quarter $1500 LBL 12 & 12 and Starters Packs.

5. Vacant positions: NA

6. Actions from previous meeting A. Peter. G to follow up Shepparton Magistrates Court. STILL TO BE ACTIONED Action: Carry over

B. Public/group information. Proposed time be made at next V.P.I meeting for more discussion about the role. Action: VPI members to discuss at their groups about the VPI  New PO Box 111 Keilor East Post Office 3013  Utilise the the News and the mail spread at the Vic office to distribute information

C. Possibility of providing Prison administration with electronic information to distribute. Youtube “Sobriety is a process not an event” Action: discussed and it was decided that it is up to the individual co-ordinators to seek what is applicable in each facility. Action: Closed

7. General Business:

“A new freedom” video to be obtained from GSO and discussed at the next meeting Action: Sandy P

8. New Business

1. Peter M to provide some information about involvement of VPI in the 2 yearly National Forum o Peter M to liaise with the Forum group about the requirements of VPI involvement. o A subcommittee of Peter O”D, Tony S and Peter M formed 2. Alanon / Alateen to be invite Peter W to attend the February meeting, VPI group conscious approved. Action: Peter W to invite to the next meeting 3. Where do prison members get literature – discussion about the VPI and its members are the best to provide information about obtaining literature 4. Peter O to provide a report to the Southern Region.

9. 7th Tradition collection – $39.80

10. Next meeting VPI Sunday 23rd Feb 2020 10.00 am – 11.00am All welcome

11. 2020 Meeting dates  Feb 23rd  May 24th  Aug 23rd  Nov 22nd

Prisons visited by AA/VPI members

Melbourne Assessment Centre (Spencer Street): Doug W 0423 798 343 Visited: Monday 9.30am and 12.30

Barwon Prison (Lara): Peter W 0407 599 956 Visited: Thursdays 10.00am

Marngoneet: Peter W 0407 599 956 Visited: Wednesday’s 1700hrs

Karrenga Prisons: Peter W 0407 599 956 Visited: Tuesday’s 1600hrs

Lodden Prison: Julian 0408 539 030 & David 0439 657 880. Visited: Wednesday 5pm

Middleton Prison: Julian 0408 539 030 & David 0439 657 880. Visited: Wednesday 7pm

Dame Phyllis Frost Women’s Prison (Ravenhall): Lynne G 0407 227 184 Visited: Tuesday, Sunday am & Fridays for Steps program

Dhurringile Prison (Shepparton): Peter G 0422 616 812 Visited: Wednesday 6pm

Langhi KalKal (Ararat/Ballarat): David A 0408 519 946 Visited: Thursdays 7.30pm

Metropolitan Remand Centre (Ravenhall) Frank O'L 0415144914 & Denis K 0479090840 Visited: Wednesdays 10.00am - 11.00 am

Port Phillip Prison (Laverton): Peter O'D 0408 438 568 Visited Saturdays 10.00 am – 11.00 am

Ravenhall Correction Centre: Peter M 0422 090 597 Visited: Wednesday

Fulham Correctional Centre: Matt W 0408 350 919 Visited:

Mt Tarrengower Womens Prison: Maria 0427 483 119 Visited: Tuesday 6pm

Beechworth Correctional Facility: Brett 0429 896 031 Visited: Monday 6pm

Hopkins Prison: Ararat Visited: TBA