Bimberi Youth Justice Centre
Centre information
About this centre
Bimberi Youth Justice Centre is the ACT’s youth detention centre for young people aged 12 to 21. It is located on Morisset Road in Mitchell, on the northern side of Canberra, with access from Morisset Road off Flemington Road.
Bimberi opened in 2008, replacing the former Quamby Youth Detention Centre, and was the first youth custodial facility in Australia designed and operated under human rights legislation. It is run by Children, Youth and Families within the ACT Government and operates under the Children and Young People Act 2008.
What this centre is used for
Young people are held at Bimberi because they have been refused bail and are on remand, or have been sentenced to detention by the ACT Childrens Court or the ACT Supreme Court. Note that in 2025 the ACT raised the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14, so only young people aged 14 and over can generally be charged with criminal offences under ACT law.
Visits and contact
Visitors must first be approved before they can book a visit. Approval may also be required from the young person’s case manager and legal guardian; contact the family engagement officer or unit manager to arrange this. Once approved, bookings are made by phone at least 24 hours before the visit. Entry is not permitted without a booking. A duty lawyer can represent a young person at court, or families can arrange their own lawyer.
Family Engagement Officer: (02) 6207 3502. After-hours bail support service: 1800 178 277.
Legal support at Bimberi Youth Justice Centre
Hugo Law Group represents clients across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Western Australia in criminal matters, including those connected with correctional and youth justice centres.
We can assist with:
- Bail applications and urgent custody matters
- Sentencing proceedings and submissions
- Advice and representation for people in custody
- Youth justice matters, where applicable
- Appeals and related criminal proceedings
Contact Hugo Law Group
If you need advice or representation for a matter connected with Bimberi Youth Justice Centre, contact Hugo Law Group to discuss your situation and next steps.