Prison Program Delivers Furniture and Training Opportunities

NT Government

Children in Darwin’s Rural Area have been gifted handmade furniture, as part of an ongoing skills training program run by the Northern Territory Correctional Services.

The furniture – which includes two seated tables, a reading table and a large toy box – was constructed by male prisoners working in the Northern Territory Correctional Industries at the Darwin Correctional Centre and delivered to the Bees Creek Early Learning Centre.

This initiative continues to support the rehabilitation of prisoners through a diverse range of education and skills training programs, including VET qualifications.

As a necessary part of this training, prisoners create various items within metal fabrication, woodwork, cabinetry, production and assembly.

Through this, they gain practical experience to complete Cert I & II in carpentry and cabinet making.

These qualifications help to reduce re-offending and keep the community safe, whilst supporting prisoners to be job ready when they complete their sentence and return to the community.

It also means former prisoners have the required skills to apply for work when local companies and councils tender for building and maintenance contracts, including projects associated with Aboriginal housing initiatives funded by the Territory and Commonwealth Governments.

As part of the Corrections commitment to give back to the community, suitable items produced by the prisoners during their training are gifted to early learning centres and pre-schools.

Recipients to date include Stuart Park pre-school, Stuart Park Early Learning Centre, Bees Creek pre-school, Steiner Early Learning Centre, Howard Springs Pre-School and Parap Pre-School.

Items produced by the NTCI are also sold at the Royal Darwin Show and at regional shows in Katherine and Tennant Creek.

Quotes from Attorney-General, Selena Uibo:

“Prisoners are seizing the opportunity to learn valuable new skills as part of this program, which are improving wellbeing and purpose.

“These initiatives do so much for rehabilitation, and for getting Territorians back on track.

“Having the ability to learn new skills while completing a sentence will inspire prisoners and help reduce recidivism.”

Quotes from Minister for Jobs and Training, Paul Kirby:

“We are committed to ensuring prisoners have access to diverse training opportunities which will lead to jobs and employment down the track.

“It’s great to see the furniture which has been designed and constructed by prisoners making its way out into the community for Territorians to enjoy.

“The Territory Labor Government is proud to support these important training opportunities.”

/Public Release. View in full here.