Inmates build homes for Lismore flood victims

Thursday, 28 April 2022

Inmates are gaining trade skills while providing urgent relief accommodation for Lismore flood victims by constructing demountable homes, with the first of 40 leaving Cessnock Correctional Centre.

The single module design units will be sent to temporary housing sites in the Northern Rivers and are being constructed through Corrective Services Industries (CSI) at Cessnock and Goulburn Correctional Centres.

The single-level dwellings were allocated to CSI from the Department of Education, before being stripped and refitted to house up to four people and will include a kitchen, bathroom, laundry and air-conditioning.

Minister for Corrections Geoff Lee said the project provides vital support for Lismore flood victims while also aligning with the CSNSW goal of reducing recidivism.

“It’s great that Corrective Services can support the people of Lismore and at the same time enable inmates to upskill in a range of trades.

“This project is also a testament to our staff, who are dedicated to the security of our state and the rehabilitation of offenders,” Mr Lee said.

Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the new units are part of a $350 million investment in temporary modular housing announced on 17 April.

“Working with CSNSW to help action this investment is an important part of the NSW Government’s work to give people displaced by floods a place to call home while they rebuild their lives,” Ms Cooke said.

“We know it has been a very difficult and traumatic period for our flood affected communities across our state.

“We are doing everything we can to minimise distress to those who are displaced from the floods and assisting them to rebuild their lives.”

Minister for Planning and Homes Anthony Roberts said the involvement of CSNSW highlights the value of a multi-department approach.

“NSW Government has been able to direct resources to the people who need them most through using available services - such as the CSI’s at Cessnock and Goulburn,” Mr Roberts said.

“We’ve also been able to make regulatory changes to cut through the red tape and make it easier to set up temporary accommodation for those impacted by the floods.”

CSI is the commercial arm of CSNSW and operates more than 100 business units and service industries teams strategically based across metro and regional centres.

Learn more about CSI here.