Wooroloo community voice to be heard 'on the inside'

1/3/06
Residents and business owners in communities around Wooroloo Prison have been invited to join the Wooroloo Community Liaison Group.
Justice Minister John D'Orazio said up to eight local people would join two Department of Corrective Services representatives, to:

• provide an opportunity for exchanging information between the community and the Department of Corrective Services;
• recommend, and help establish avenues for interaction between Wooroloo Prison and the community;
• facilitate opportunities for suitable prison work projects in the community; and
• identify employment and training opportunities for prisoners.

"We hope the long and successful history of co-operation between Wooroloo Prison and the local community will be strengthened," Mr D'Orazio said.
"The prison wants to work with its neighbours so that the local community benefits from activities aimed at helping prepare offenders for release."
Swan Hills MLA Jaye Radisich said Wooroloo Prison already made an important contribution to local community life.
"The prison already supplies freshly baked bread rolls to the local primary school and has a long involvement in helping organisations such as the local church, the York-Beverley Turf Club and the Avon Valley Arts Society with maintenance and other work." Ms Radisich said.
"In addition, the prison pool, which is maintained by, but not used by, prisoners is a valuable asset for the community and is used for school swimming carnivals, education, vacation swimming classes and by the Wooroloo Swimming Club."
The closing date for Community Liaison Group applications is 5pm Monday, March 13. Contact Wooroloo Prison Superintendent Lyn Blasgund on 9573 3001 for application forms and an information kit.
Minister's office: 9213 7150