2LT Local News

BATHURST, Central West, NSW, Australia – Local prisons have joined a state-wide effort by Corrective Services and Justice NSW staff in raising tens of thousands of dollars to help drought-stricken Australian farmers. 

An initial goal of $25,000 has been easily surpassed, and the total raised so far has now exceeded $70,000.

“This began as a grassroots campaign in some of our regional correctional centres and soon became a consolidated approach across the organisation with the goal of raising $25,000, which we have almost tripled,” Acting Commissioner Rosemary Caruana said. She went on to praise what she describes as being a mammoth and big-hearted effort by the state’s prison and parole officers, as well as administrative and policy staff, and even prisoners.

“This is a cause our staff feel passionate about because many live in regional areas and some are farmers themselves. The combined effort is absolutely impressive,” she said.

The fundraisers have included cake sales, raffles and concerts, while more than $18,000 was raised by staff themselves who donated their recreation-leave pay or made a direct pay deduction.

In the region, Kirkconnell Correctional Centre has raised several thousand dollars so far through barbecues, a concert for inmates, and staff Social Club donations.

Kirkconnell Manager of Security Lennox Peter said the centre was hoping to reach $10,000 by Christmas. “For a small centre, we’re very proud of the staff and inmates,” he said.

Bathurst Correctional Centre’s Kristy Donlan said the prison had so far raised more than $6,000. “As Bathurst is a regional town, nearly everyone is somehow related to the land,” she said.

“We had a local farmer who had to put down 1,200 sheep. Another family was showering at the local swimming pool; keeping all their water for their animals. Rather than feeling helpless, we took the opportunity to do something.”