Police have arrested a man who has been on the run for more than six weeks after escaping from a western Victorian prison.
Key points:
A significant search had been under way since Daniel Briffa's escape from Langi Kal Kal Prison on September 4
Police found Briffa at a residential property in Ballarat East on Thursday morning
Briffa has been remanded in custody and will return to court in Ballarat next month
Daniel Briffa, 50, was serving a prison term for drug, theft and traffic-related offences when he escaped from Langi Kal Kal Prison in Trawalla, north-west of Ballarat, on the evening of Monday, September 4.
Detectives from Victoria Police's Fugitive Squad, and Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit, found Briffa at a residential property in Ballarat East at 10:30am on Thursday.
A spokesperson said the arrest was "without incident".
Briffa was charged with escape and faced the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Thursday afternoon, where he was remanded in custody and did not make an application for bail.
He is due to appear at court next month for a plea hearing.
Long search
A Victoria Police spokesperson said a significant search for Briffa had been underway since his escape.
"Police would like to thank members of the public and media for their assistance," they said in a statement.
The last known sighting of Briffa before his arrest was on September 6 at a Ballarat service station.
Police had been searching the Ballarat, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee and Tarneit areas, where Briffa had been known to previously spend time.
The ABC understands Corrections Victoria is reviewing the circumstances of Briffa's escape and his placement at the prison.
The Department of Justice and Community Safety said it would not comment on the matter.
Langi Kal Kal has operated as an adult prison for 30 years, accommodating sentenced protection prisoners.
It hosts "cottage style" shared accommodation, with capacity for almost 430 people.
Corrections Victoria's website describes the facility as a 1,000-hectare working farm, with a focus on preparing prisoners for life in the community.
According to the website, all prisoners aged under 65 are expected to work full-time if they are able.