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Last published on 08 Dec 2021
Hunter Correctional Centre staff and inmates are helping regenerate bushland while learning gardening and horticultural skills, through a partnership with Hunter Valley Landcare.
Under the guidance of staff, the group of 20 maximum-security inmates have grown more than 500 native seedlings for the not-for-profit organisation, including Blakely’s red gums, spotted gums, callistemons and she-oaks.
Corrective Services Industries overseer Jai See said the partnership provides inmates with an opportunity to learn new skills while doing something beneficial for the community.
“This project is an opportunity for inmates to focus on achieving something that’s not only pro-social and providing them with new skills and knowledge, but it’s great for the environment and something they can be proud of too,” Mr See said.
“Since establishing the kitchen garden and plant propagation programs inmates have learned how to prepare soil for seedlings, weed and care for the plants to ensure they’re pest-free and healthy.”
Manager Business Units Scott Allen said there are plans to build on the program’s success.
“We’re hoping to further build on these skills next year, with the introduction of a horticultural course, which will combine vocational qualifications with the practical experience they gain on-site,” he said.
The partnership with Hunter Valley Landcare was initiated in 2019 after volunteers reached out to a staff member looking for a suitable location to help grow native plants.
In addition to the nursery of native trees, the centre has a semi-commercial garden spread across six beds that supplies an on-site café with fresh produce, where staff purchase meals and inmates are allowed a monthly buy-up as a reward for good behaviour.
Overseer Aaron Nowers said the centre was proud to be supporting the local environment.
“Landcare volunteers are going to use these native plants to support important bush corridors in the Hunter Valley region, which is vital to maintaining the health of our bushland and helps care for our native wildlife,” Mr Nowers said.
“It’s exciting to form this partnership with Landcare and improve the future of our area via this propagation and native planting program.”
The centre has recently been provided with a fresh batch of seeds to propagate including:
Officers and inmates are aiming to produce 750 seedlings for Landcare from this batch, with a hope to further expand the program in the future.
10 Dec 2021