Inmates from Glen Innes Correctional Centre have been giving back to the community by assisting with the clean-up and maintenance of the Beardy Waters Woodland Reserve.
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Obviously this sort of program is not suitable to all inmates but what we are seeing here in Glen Innes is a good example of inmates being rehabilitated and reintegrated back into society.
- Minister for corrections David Elliot
Corrective Services New South Wales was first approached by the Glen Innes Severn Council to assist cleaning up the site in 1988.
Inmates from Glen Innes Correctional Centre have been maintaining Beardy Waters for nearly 30 years.
Glen Innes Correctional Centre General Manager Michelle Paynter said six inmates have been enthusiastically involved in maintaining the Beardy Waters Woodland Reserve and Standing Stones.
“This project has assisted them with their reintegration into society and centre management welcomed the opportunity and have been coordinating and supervising inmates on similar community projects ever since.” she said.
“It’s a positive experience that not only allows inmates to develop work skills but also provides important opportunities for them to make reparation to the community.
“It’s a win for the community and a win for the inmates and the community feedback is always positive. It’s great for the inmates to know that the community and regional visitors appreciate their work.”
Glen Innes Severn Council Recreation and Open Spaces Coordinator Graham Archibald said it is an area that is a low priority within the open spaces hierarchy so the help is welcomed.
“The open spaces crew appreciate the help that the correctional centre inmates have offered,” he said.
“Without that help we might not be able to attend to the park, so in that respect their assistance is valued.”
State Minister for Corrections David Elliot said that this type of venture has become a very popular form of rehabilitation.
“It is good that inmates can provide a positive contribution to their local communities,” he said.
“Obviously this sort of program is not suitable to all inmates but what we are seeing here in Glen Innes is a good example of inmates being rehabilitated and reintegrated back into society.
“I am a fan of it and I know the local community appreciates it and I can foresee a rapid expansion of such programs due to the success of this one.”
Correctional Centre General Manager Michelle Paynter added that local representatives from government agencies and community groups are encouraged to write to her to apply to join the Centre’s Community Advisory Committee.
“The Community Advisory Committee identifies local not-for-profit groups or projects such as this one where Corrective Services New South Wales can assist,” she said.
