Cell Block Studios at Old Geraldton Gaol

28/10/2026

Did you know many local groups also host meetings, morning and afternoon teas, and workshops here—not just our regular cellmates?
Pop in, visit us, and have a chat if you want to learn more! ☺️

25/10/2026

RETURNING TO THE COMMUNITY
'The more you can occupy the men and give them a sense of purpose the less likely they are to want to escape...Prisoners must be given a chance to accept responsibility. Most do (and) in the past eight years only two have absconded from work parties.' [Alan Shea 1972]
With the strong support and acceptance of the Geraldton community, prisoners became actively engaged in community events, sporting events, retraining and education programmes and assisted community based organisations.
Prisoners were taken to their daily project in the prison truck and stayed for the day on trust. The 'trustees' supported the community by transforming the Geraldton Cemetery, gardening, general yard cleaning and odd jobs for pensioners, local hospitals and Nazareth House.
Others worked at the Geraldton Golf Club and the race course, assisted the Jaycees organisation on community projects and formed the Rescue Squad for the local Civil Defence unit. Between 1964 and 1971 prisoners assisted the Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club. During their first year they refurbished the surfing equipment - their reward was twelve packs of playing cards and a ham for Christmas.

We are open Weekdays 10am - 3.30pm and Saturday 9am - Noon.
Excluding public holidays.
Guided Tours Tuesdays and Thursdays 2pm
Entry by donation.

24/10/2026

Another "Ghost" was captured in solitary confinement this morning during the Crissy Makes Phonetography Workshop! 📸👻 Have you joined in on the fun yet? Come uncover pieces of our history while mastering the art of taking incredible photos right from your phone. ☺️

Obsessed with this “headless ghost” shot! 😜 Had the absolute best time hosting the phonetography workshop this morning. I love it when everyone completely leans into the creative chaos and just plays! 📸✨

23/10/2026

We are open today 9am - Noon ☀️

Cell Block Studios (formerly the Old Geraldton Gaol Craft Centre) is a community arts and culture hub located inside the historic 1850s Old Geraldton Gaol at 84 Chapman Road, Geraldton, Western Australia.

19/10/2026

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Sunshine Festival
The "Sunshine Festival, held every September promotes and celebrates the Geraldton Community and District Achievements.
Between 1964 and 1974 the Geraldton Regional Prison entered the float parade. In 1970 prisoners celebrated their efforts by winning the first prize.
While prisoners constructed the outer shell of the Yellow Submarine, the Shea family car supplied the power. Pam Shea, Alan's wife, drove the Austin while her crew comprised of a prisoner in the front passenger seat and two Shea children in the back. (The Guardian, Sept 1% 1970)

Prisoners had their own basketball and football teams called 'The Regionals' and entered the local competitions.
"We looked certain to take off the men's premiership competition two years ago but a couple of days before the grand final we lost three of our best players - they were released. We lost the final. " Alan Shea, Sunday Independent Sept 5 1971

For more history we are open Monday - Friday 10am - 3.30pm and Saturday 9am - Noon.
Guided tours every Tuesday and Thursday 2pm.
Entry by donation.

17/10/2026

We are open today 9am - Noon 🩷
Pop in for a visit ☺️

12/10/2026

James MCMILLAN 4646
McMillan was born in Belfast, Ireland in c1837
Following previous arrests for theft and a serious assault on a prison officer while in gaol, a crime that awarded him a seven
10274] year term, he was sentenced to
Mc' Millan,J 21 years transportation for theft.
In 1872 he was convicted of larceny in Perth and sentenced to 3 years with hard labour.
During 1877 and 1878 McMillan found himself in Geraldton Goal on several counts of being drunk and incapable, and for larceny of goods from the Railway Hotel in Northampton, and stealing clothes from the Miners Arms Hotel Northampton.
In 1879 he was again imprisoned, this time in Fremantle for five years. For the next twenty years he moved throughout the state reoffending as he went, usually receiving short terms for minor offences. In January 1901 he was released from Fremantle Prison.

For more history we are open to visitors weekdays 10am - 3.30pm and Saturday 9am - Noon. (Excluding public holidays.)
Guided Tours Tuesdays and Thursdays 2pm
Entry by donation.

11/04/2026

Mother's Day is nearly here.
Mums it's time to take a breather.
Come and join us for a cuppa, some delightful treats and a spot of retail therapy with other fellow mums.
Relax and indulge, YOU deserve it.