Corrective Services NSW

CSI - working hard and delivering the goods

10 NOVEMBER 2025

It’s not a television crime drama; this CSI is something entirely different, it’s the Corrective Services NSW work and education program that’s changing lives behind the walls of correctional centres.

Man with construction tools
Image: People in custody can work in a range of industries

Through meaningful employment and skills training, CSI gives people in custody the chance to learn real skills, setting them up for life after release. That means fewer people reoffend and safer communities for all of us.

Did you know:

  • CSI runs over 120 commercial business units and 60 service industries across 29 correctional centres.
  • People in custody work in everything from agriculture and baking to carpentry, textiles, and engineering – often alongside vocational training that leads to nationally recognised qualifications
  • They work a 30-hour week and can choose industries that match their interests and location
  • CSI partners with government and private sector organisations to deliver high-quality products and services that benefit the wider community
  • CSI projects have supported the broader public, including:
    • Making and distributing 4,000 flood rescue kits for the NSW Rural Fire Service
    • Printing and distributing essential maritime publications for the Federal Regulator – more than 11,000 publications over a two-year period
    • Refurbishing 156 demountable classrooms for the Department of Education – supporting the growing population of schools in NSW
    •  Operating across 11 locations, CSI Textiles engages more than 435 skilled people in custody – two of the standout products are the Australian National Flag and the Australian Aboriginal Flag. Both are meticulously handcrafted in strict accordance with Australian Government regulations, each being a work of art. 

 

A man using welding equipment
Image: Training includes welding, engineering, printing and construction

“I’ve learnt how to weld, which is something I never did on the outside,” said one inmate who has worked on the school demountable project and temporary housing for the Northern Rivers flood recovery project.

“I’m a carpenter by trade, so on the outside this is going to help me because I’ll be able to do more on job sites.”

Every job done and every skill learned is about giving people a fair go and making our communities stronger.

 

Men building a kitchen
Image: From refurbishing classrooms to modular housing, the work is delivering for the community

Read more about CSI and partnership opportunities and see how your organisation can be part of the change.