The report also found that Pardelup’s philosophy and values were well understood by staff and prisoners and the relationship between them was strong and respectful.
Pardelup is a minimum-security correctional facility which focuses on preparing prisoners for release by equipping them with job and social skills through farm and maintenance work.
Located near Mount Barker, south-west of Perth, Pardelup’s farm and gardens supply meat, fruit and vegetables to prisons across the State. Calves and lambs produced by its herds are sold on the open market.
The Department directs revenue from prison farms to fund highest priority services and activities.
Prisoners at Pardelup and the Walpole Work Camp annex have a strong connection with the local community, where they have contributed to significant projects in the surrounding area.
The Department supports four of the six recommendations made by OICS after its latest visit to Pardelup. All four are already current practice at the prison.
They include making permanent the position of Campus Manager, which was first established at Pardelup in 2021. This staff member has increased employment opportunities and partnerships with local industries by identifying industry skills shortages.
Prisoners also are supported to undertake fulltime traineeships in industries such as horticulture, automotive servicing and technology and furniture making.
The main education provider to the prison is the South Regional TAFE, which allocates 120,000 student contact hours to prisoners. Self-funded education opportunities are also available through Trainwest, in areas such as business, work health and safety, and leadership and management.
Staffing shortages identified in the OICS report which partly related to disciplinary procedures and COVID-19 vaccine mandates have been resolved. Staffing is back at full capacity.
The Department in 2021 introduced new security measures in response to prisoner contraband discoveries. Those measures have since been revised as part of the prison’s overall security.
Staff and prisoners have adjusted to the regime, which the OICS report describes as a sensible
approach in a minimum-security environment.
Corrective Services Commissioner Mike Reynolds said Pardelup provides a valuable rehabilitative program which helps prisoners transition back into the community when they are released.
“Prisoners have demonstrated an exceptional work ethic in their jobs, and this has helped instil a culture of hard work and independence,” Commissioner Reynolds said.
“Pardelup sets the standard for a working prison and stands as a testament to the important role custodial facilities play in training and expanding the skills of prisoners in preparing for their reintegration into the community.”
