5 | Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre YHIDC is a high-security detention centre with a securitised perimeter including high fencing, anti-climb measures and other security features. It is located in the town of Northam in Western Australia, approximately 100 kilometres from Perth. It is designed to accommodate adult men. YHIDC has six accommodation compounds. The Falcon and Hawk compounds are used to house people assessed as low to medium risk by centre staff. In addition, four high-security accommodation compounds (Cassowary, Eagle, Kingfisher, and Swan) have been in operation since December 2018. These compounds are used for people assessed as high or extreme risk by centre staff. YHIDC was initially designed to manage a low to medium risk detained population.32 People detained in these high-security compounds have more restricted access to shared spaces and facilities outside of their compounds, compared to those in the Falcon and Hawk compounds. The Swan compound is the most restrictive and is used to house people that have the highest risk rating as assessed by centre staff. Cassowary is used for people who, for various reasons, are assessed by centre staff to require protection from others. YHIDC has an expansive, central outdoor area (called the ‘Green Heart’) that is used for recreation. It contains two full-size soccer fields, a large outdoor gym, two full-size basketball courts, and some gardening plots. There is also a large activity complex with various purpose-built facilities, such as a large kitchen for cooking classes, a woodwork studio, and an indoor gym. YHIDC also has several smaller ‘health care’ compounds, located next to the medical facilities. These are used for people who have significant health care needs. YHIDC also has a ‘high-care accommodation’ unit used for single separation. During the Commission’s inspection in May 2023, there were 262 people detained at YHIDC.33 As of December 2023, there were 170 people detained at YHIDC.34 Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre Inspection Report • 2024 • 21