[4] On 13 December 1987, prisoners began a disturbance that was attributed to the consumption of "gaol brew" alcohol from fermenting fruit and sugar.

[4][5] A second riot occurred on 23 September 1990, following the introduction of a restrictive policy for prisoners private property by Minister Yabsley.

The CDTCC is a stand-alone prison with a stable sentenced inmate population, where patients with repeat drug-related charges participate in comprehensive drug treatment and rehabilitation.

[7] While the privatisation of Cessnock was eventually ruled out, on 30 September 2009 it was announced that GEO Group Australia had been awarded the contract to manage Parklea Correctional Centre, commencing on 1 November 2009.

In response to parliamentary questions in November 2009, the NSW Minister for Corrections, John Robertson, described the transition as 'hugely successful'.

In March 2025, it was announced that upon the expiration of MTC Australia's contract to run the facility in October 2026, the prison will come under public ownership.