OBERON RSL Sub Branch's extension to its military museum was a hive of activity last week when inmates and staff from the Oberon Correctional Centre lent a hand.
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The two-day community service involved inmates undercoating and reapplying the finishing paint on the newly lined walls in the museum extension.
Oberon Correctional Centre staff member George Hancock said the centre was approached by Oberon RSL Sub Branch president Bill Wilcox to assist members with the work.
"Ten inmates arrived at the museum early and were clearly getting on with the job," Mr Hancock said.
"If this work helps the sub branch committee members get their museum on track for the opening, then we have achieved and given back something to the Oberon community.
"All the men were keen to help out."
Mr Wilcox said they would not meet their deadline for the opening of the museum extension in November without the help from the inmates.
"We are all time-starved and our members are not getting any younger. Volunteers are hard to find,” he said.
"I appreciate the assistance from Oberon Correctional Centre."
Mr Hancock said the inmates working at the museum were all part of the adult program - nearing the end of their time.
"They have completed the Gurnang Life Challenge and are currently doing a horticultural traineeship,” he said.
"A horticultural TAFE teacher takes them through the stages of propagating, planting, pruning and harvesting.
"Some have gained their forklift driver tickets, which will help inmates in their reintegration into society."
Mr Hancock said he was not sure how many more community projects that are lacking resources could be assisted by the centre inmates.
“Recently, inmates have been planting trees and assisting with the viewing platform construction at Rotary Lookout,” he said.
Oberon Correctional Centre contributes to the Oberon community through employment, services and goods purchased in town.
