A place for healing: the Mum Shirl Unit

28 OCTOBER 2025

The Mum Shirl Unit (MSU), located within Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre, is a unique space supporting some of the most vulnerable women in custody. Many of these inmates live with deep trauma, intellectual disabilities, and complex behavioural challenges. Since opening in 2009 with a focus on behavioural therapy, the unit has evolved into a more holistic, therapeutic environment under the guidance of Senior Psychologist Ana-Marija Ciko.

A legacy to live up to

Named after Coleen Shirley Perry Smith - better known as Mum Shirl - the unit honours the Wiradjuri woman whose fierce compassion reshaped how we see people in custody. Her journey began with visits to her brother in prison, where she saw not criminals, but people in need of kindness. Her legacy lives on in the MSU’s commitment to dignity, healing, and justice.

Therapy based on truth

Ana-Marija has reshaped the MSU into a space where emotional safety and long-term wellbeing are prioritised.
“This is not standard psychology,” she says. “We’re dealing with women whose pain will never go away. We can’t fix them, but we can help them understand their pain is real, and that it’s okay.”

She believes healing begins with honesty.
“They’ve been asked all their life to keep secrets. But secrets are just festering wounds. Healing comes when the wound is exposed.”

Ana-Marija also reflects on the importance of boundaries and emotional resilience in her role:
“When I was studying my supervisor told me the reason I was going to be a good psychologist was that I create a clear firm ‘container’ for clients. They know they can fall apart in front of me, and I won’t crumble. They can be a mess and break down, but my walls are solid and that provides them with security.”

Trust through consistency

Women in the MSU attend weekly therapy with the same psychologist throughout their stay, building trust through continuity. Correctional officers also play a vital role, fostering a respectful, trauma-informed environment.

“We’re not just doing observation checks,” says Correctional Officer Matthew Cruden. “We’re present during art and cooking classes, in the common areas, and we are always around for a chat or to help with everyday challenges.”

Matthew adds, “Each day presents different challenges for some, and the same monotonous routine for others. There are many different disciplines and requirements to meet each day, which can be a lot to take in.”

Correctional Officer Adriana Goudie agrees, “We support routines, de-escalate behaviour, and encourage participation in programs. The key is calm, respectful communication.”

Empowerment from within

Alongside therapy, Ana-Marija introduced weekly meetings to give women a voice. These sessions, along with creative programs like art and cooking, help build confidence and self-awareness.

“You author your life the way you choose,” she says. “Too many of us try to fix the problem. But the key is learning to live with it and manage it.”

Safety first and foremost

Safety remains paramount. Items that could be used for self-harm are removed, and in-cell cameras and regular check-ins ensure close monitoring. But the environment is designed to be calm and humanising, with communal spaces for reading, drawing, and connection.

“You’ve got to understand these women are human,” says Ana-Marija. “They need kindness. You’ve got to have empathy and clear boundaries.”

Support goes both ways

Both Adriana and Matthew describe a strong, collaborative team culture.
“There’s a real understanding of the everyday challenges we face,” says Matthew. “We support each other and celebrate successes, big or small.”

Adriana adds, “The team culture here is strong, positive, and collaborative. We share knowledge, and work together to create a safe and respectful environment. There’s a real sense of camaraderie and teamwork, where everyone’s contribution is valued.”

The impact on staff

Working in the MSU has also changed their perspectives.
“I’ve learned that behaviour often reflects trauma or unmet needs, not just ‘bad choices,’” says Adriana. “It’s deepened my empathy and patience.”

She also shares the emotional demands of the role:
“It can be emotionally demanding dealing with inmates who have complex mental health needs, especially during crises, but maintaining patience, consistency, and empathy is key to ensuring safety and stability.”

Matthew echoes this shift in understanding.
“It’s helped me to understand mental health from another point of view and taught me to be a little more patient.”

Making it in the real world

The stigma doesn’t end when the women leave custody. Society often expects them to hide their past. But Ana-Marija believes healing requires honesty, not shame.

“Telling them to hide their history is just another wound,” she says. “We need to do more in the community for mental health. There’s still stigma, and still confusion.”

This Mental Health Month, the story of the Mum Shirl Unit reminds us that healing isn’t always about fixing. Sometimes, it’s about holding space for pain, offering consistency, and helping people find their own way forward.