Arbeit macht frei: - Fredrick Töben

THE BEGINNING
During 1952 the Government recommended the establishment of an
open institution where selected young prisoners could be employed and
trained in open conditions.
This should not in any way resemble a prison but should be designed so
that a young man would not be held in captivity as in a prison, but be
able to lead a free and corporate life where self discipline would prevail.
The provision of an open institution is most important and necessary in
the development of a modern penal system, providing the training for
men in self respect and a sense of personal responsibility with a view to
their rehabilitation and social readjustment.
THE SITE
It was realized that there would be difficulty in finding a suitable place in
the country not so isolated as to obstruct the purpose of the institution
or cause excessive inconvenience to staff and families. It was necessary
to have fertile land of sufficient acreage, an ample water supply,
electricity, and within reasonable distance of a town, school and
shopping centre. The latter is essential to enable the staff to have normal
every-day amenities.
Inquiries extended from north of Adelaide to pine forests and virgin
country in the South-East, thence to areas adjoining Lake Albert and
Lake Alexandrina and finally along the River Murray.
After extensive investigations a report was submitted recommending the
establishment of an open institution on the Murray River.
The matter was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on
Public Works who commenced their inquiries on 30 th
August, 1955.
The Committee visited the Upper Murray and inspected a number of
sites commencing with land east of Renmark and adjacent to the
Victorian Border. Evidence was taken from a number of Government
officials and others concerning suggested areas at Loveday and Cadell.
Representation was made to the Committee by the Chairman and
Councillor of the District Council of Morgan who submitted a proposal
for an alternative site near the Cadell township.
During this visit, and in Adelaide, evidence was taken by the Committee
which reached the conclusion that the two most suitable sites were at
Loveday and near Cadell on the River Murray lands.
Further inquiries were made and it was agreed that an area of 1,059
acres comprising Sections 210 and 211 with a river frontage near Cadell
was most suitable.
The site at Cadell was selected on the following grounds:―
256