Tamworth inmates back on track to help community

13 July 2022

Tamworth Correctional Centre’s inmate work crew is back providing vital grounds-maintenance to the community, after COVID-19 restrictions prevented them from working outside prison since December.

Minister for Corrections Geoff Lee said both offenders and the organisations they provide work for were pleased the program had returned.

“The work crews give inmates an excellent opportunity to gain skills while helping out the local community,” Dr Lee said.

“The work the inmates do is also vital in helping reduce recidivism as we know gaining employment skills helps to reduce offending post-release.”

Trade overseer Dean Hensley said the community was pleased to see the program resume.

“We’re back out at the Tamworth Mountain Bike Park and our local Landcare nursery again, which is not only great for the inmates but for our community groups and not-for-profits too,” Mr Hensley said.

“I know a lot of these groups have really struggled to find the time or man-power to do grounds maintenance or other work while community projects were suspended, so we’ve been itching to get back out and lend a helping hand.     

“The crew have been really keen to get stuck into the work. It’s great because the work helps inmates learn new skills and develop a strong work ethic, which will maximise their employment potential post-release.”

Mr Hensley’s community projects team consists of carefully selected minimum-security inmates.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said community projects initiatives were a win-win for the community.

“Our community is built by volunteers and the Tamworth Mountain Bike Park is no different.

Jeff Benson, Alyssa Rogan and the team from Tamworth Mountain Bikers do a fantastic job in maintaining and upgrading this facility, but they often struggle to find enough people or the time to do the necessary work, so it’s fantastic we have a partnership with Corrective Services NSW that really support the community’s needs,” Mr Anderson said.

“Maintaining a great asset for the local community is something to be proud of for both the trade overseers who lead the program and the inmates, who are gaining practical skills and work experience through the work they do.”

The centre’s community projects team also works with Tamworth Regional Landcare Association, Tamworth Junior Riding and Pony Club, and Kootingal and District Pony Club.