Cooma Gaol Added to NSW State Heritage Register
Cooma Gaol has received formal recognition with its inclusion on the NSW State Heritage Register, marking a powerful step in acknowledging New South Wales’ complex, painful, and often hidden history. A commemorative plaque was unveiled during a special ceremony at the correctional centre to honour this historical moment.
Ceremony Highlights Past Injustice
Led by Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong, the event reaffirmed the importance of preserving the past—not just the physical building, but its emotional and societal legacy. The Gaol, officially listed in March this year, is now a permanent fixture in the state’s evolving historical narrative.
A Site of LGBTQIA+ Persecution
More than just architecture, the listing acknowledges the systemic persecution once sanctioned by law. Between 1957 and 1984, Cooma Gaol was the only known prison dedicated exclusively to incarcerating LGBTQIA+ individuals. It detained gay men, transwomen, and non-binary people under discriminatory legislation criminalising homosexuality.
Government Issues Formal Apology
Minister Chanthivong addressed the profound significance of the site, stating: “The inclusion of Cooma Gaol on the State Heritage Register is important because it acknowledges and preserves the history of those who were unjustly treated, for generations to come.”
He extended an apology on behalf of the Minns Government to those once jailed under such laws, saying: “On behalf of the Minns Government I reiterate our apology to those who were incarcerated unjustly due to discriminatory laws for homosexual acts.” The ceremony echoed with a solemn yet hopeful tone, underscoring the need to confront dark chapters in order to heal.
Warning from History
“In the interests of not ignoring history lest we be doomed to repeat it, let us also be clear that the history of Cooma Gaol should serve as a stark warning of the perils of discrimination,” the Minister added.
Local Significance and Recognition
Local MP Steve Whan, Member for Monaro, offered perspective on the Gaol’s local and historical importance. “Despite its challenging history, Cooma Gaol has been a prominent landmark for the Cooma township for generations,” he said. It is a dual symbol of heritage and resilience in one of NSW’s original prison towns.
Confronting the Past, Committing to Justice
Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM called the moment “momentous.” He reflected on how deeply confronting the facility’s history is, stating: “It is both distressing – and perhaps almost unbelievable – that such archaic attitudes could have existed as recently as 1984.”
“Discrimination and the persecution of others for their sexuality, race, religion or any other quality, has no place in society today,” he emphasized, calling for continued vigilance against all forms of injustice.
Emotional Legacy and the Path to Healing
Historian and journalist Patrick Abboud underlined the emotional legacy still attached to Cooma Gaol. “The practices that led to inmates being incarcerated at Cooma Gaol… had lifelong impacts for all of those involved,” he said, reminding attendees that many former inmates still carry the trauma.
Abboud highlighted the significance of the heritage listing and government apology. “It is a step toward healing for those former inmates still living with past traumas, and the redemption of the memory of those we have lost.”
Remembering While Moving Forward
Today, the Cooma Correctional Centre continues to operate as a modern facility, but its historical designation serves a greater purpose: to remember, reflect, and rebuild awareness around the injustices that once shaped lives and laws in NSW.
