Seeing prisoners shine – especially some of the ones she doesn’t expect will step up – is a big reward for VSO Kylie.
Kylie has been at Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison since 2011 and, as a qualified horticulturalist enjoys training prisoners in job-ready skills useful in mining and private contracting.
These skills include using skid steer-loader, chainsaw, grinder and drill, and how to work in a team. Other qualifications Kylie has arranged through external Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are elevated working platform, working in confined spaces and working at height.
“Some of the prisoners wouldn’t know how to assemble the hose fittings for a garden hose,” she said. “They really appreciate being able to pick up employability skills in prison.
“Others are mechanics and electricians and have had a lot of experience. I build them up a level by encouraging them to take on mentoring and supervising roles. They rise to this challenge and appreciate the trust I place in them. But it’s trust that they have to earn.”
Kylie said key to rehabilitating prisoners was to treat them as you would like to be treated. “Be respectful, but also stern, and show empathy,” she said.
“Anyone in the community thinking of applying to be a VSO shouldn’t be daunted by working in a prison. It’s not much different from an ordinary workplace. A little praise goes a long way and, as in a workplace, you need to be able to stand your ground and be able to de-escalate situations.
“I’ve been on a few selection panels and my advice to anyone interested in the job is to make sure they answer the selection criteria. We’ve had some potentially good applicants who haven’t answered properly and who then miss out.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Section 95 activities – when selected prisoners work under supervision in the community – are suspended.
Kylie is looking forward to S95 getting back up and running. With her colleagues, she has been working with prisoners on several conservation projects in the Goldfields in partnership with groups including the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Urban Landcare Group and the Goldfields Land and Sea Council Aboriginal Rangers.
“I have had unsupervised S95 prisoners volunteering and then gaining employment and continuing their study after release,” she said. “They have now held their jobs for over a year. The prisoners also use the skills learnt on S95 around the house, and to teach their children.”
