By Ben Clifford
Copyright abc
Inmates at a New South Wales prison have spent 1,500 hours refurbishing a rescue truck that will see service once again.
The project – run in partnership by Corrective Services NSW and the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA Rescue) – is the first of its kind in the state’s north.
The program gives inmates the chance to develop skills that could help them to land them a job after their release and provided the VRA with a fully refurbished vehicle to assist at road accidents and other emergencies.
About 15 Hunter Correctional Centre inmates began working on the former police truck 12 months ago.
The vehicle was deployed to off-road emergencies for 15 years and was battered and worn when it arrived at the prison workshop.
But Corrective Services NSW Industries manager Scott Allen said its condition did not deter the inmates.
“Once we told them it was for the VRA there was no holding them back,” he said.
‘Journey towards the front gate’
One inmate, who cannot be identified, said working on the truck gave the prisoners a sense of direction and connection with the outside world.
“Make no mistake, jail is hard,” he said.
“To have a purpose, to be busy and active is part of the journey towards the front gate.
“To have something that we can see, touch and feel that actually gives back to the community … gives us all a a real sense of giving.”
The Hunter Correctional Centre has a dedicated engineering space where inmates learn to weld, cut steel, paint and polish.
Custodial Corrections North Director, Wally Elguindy, said projects such as the truck refurbishment helped to reduce rates of reoffending.
“Inmates that actually arrive here come from all over the state and basically they’ve got no employment background,” Mr Elguindy said.
“What we have found was that [gaining employment] actually reduces them from coming back to custody.”
‘Nothing short of sensational’
The truck is now road-ready and will be deployed to range of emergencies.
VRA Rescue NSW commissioner Brenton Charlton said the refurbishment was second to none.
“It’s nothing short of sensational, particularly around the pride in craft that’s been applied to this truck,” he said.
VRA Rescue is working closely with Correctional Services to ensure the program continues.
“We’ve got another five or six [trucks] ready to ready to rock’n’roll,” Mr Charlton said.
The VRA plans to turn the prison workshop into a de facto service hub that not only keeps rescue trucks on the road but gives inmates a path to a fresh start.
