History
In 1947 Myrtle Breen began visiting women in prison and developed a vision to provide housing for the women on their release from prison.
The prison visitation program was originally set up as an arm of Campaigners for Christ whose board appointed several of their members to provide support for Myrtle and her work inside the prisons.
For over 60 years our staff and volunteers have been working with women in prison to offer them hope and friendship during their time in prison and to help them re-build their lives post-release. We also provide practical and emotional support to their families and children.
In 1996 the Campaigners for Christ Prison Ministries was renamed Prison Network Ministries.
Today Prison Network Ministries is an independent body overseen by a board of directors.
Myrtle was followed by Marjorie Swales who dedicated 30 years of loyal service to Prison Network, serving as Executive Director 1975-2006.
 She was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2007 for service to the welfare of women and was further honoured when the `Marj Swales Mother and Child Unit' was opened at HMP Tarrengower prison. The unit was officially opened in 2006 and features a plaque reading:
“Dedicated to Marj Swales in recognition of her generous commitment of time, support and inspiration to others and significant contribution to women, children and their families”.
Marj at the official opening of the prison unit named in her honour
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