Installing values, community spirit and citizenship are at the centre of the State Government's new plan, signed today, to make offenders clean-up war memorials and help out RSL clubs across the State with maintenance and gardening.
Diggers are set to receive a helping hand from Western Australian offenders - wearing their Repay WA vests - as part of a joint agreement between the State Government and The Returned & Services League of Australia WA Branch Inc. (RSLWA).
Corrective Services Minister Terry Redman said having offenders work alongside diggers was part of the plan to allow the nation's heroes to give guidance and help install citizenship values to those who have wronged society.
"It's a two way street. Offenders on community work orders and low risk minimum security prisoners in the regions will help by establishing, maintaining and repairing facilities. The partnership will help them develop work skills and expose them to some of the greatest mentors WA has to offer," Mr Redman said.
"The Liberal-National Government makes no secret of our view that rehabilitation starts with a values system, community spirit and an understanding of what it means to be Australian.
"We all know that our RSL members represent the very essence of the Australian spirit and who better to guide on right from wrong, who better to teach people about citizenship and community spirit?
"The WA Government, and the people of WA, are indebted to the RSL for agreeing to be a partner in this program. Who better than our nation's heroes, many of whom have witnessed and endured massive hardship, grief and horror all for their country; their community and their families?"
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by the commissioner and RSLWA State president William Gaynor at the Nollamara Sub-Branch.
Repay WA offenders, who have converted court-imposed fines to community work or have been sentenced to complete community work orders; and minimum security prisoners will undertake meaningful projects to assist the RSL.
Department of Corrective Services commissioner Ian Johnson said RSL members would be able to share their ethos and a sense of true Australian spirit with offenders which was the kind of positive influence always needed to help change the lives of offenders.
In a lead up to the signing of the MOU, Repay WA workers assisted members of Nollamara Sub-Branch with gardening, painting and general maintenance of the buildings in preparation for their services and events such as ANZAC day.
Mr Johnson said projects like these were a great way to promote the good work the department can do in the community as well as giving offenders an insight about the RSL, its history and its purpose.
Minister's office - 9213 6700
