OBERON mayor Kathy Sajowitz met with the new Shooters Hill Correctional Centre manager of security Stuart Lyle last week to re-sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the centre and Oberon Council.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As part of the MOU, council will act as a facilitator in an arrangement in which inmates from the centre can assist and contribute to community projects and carry out work such as roadside clean-ups and remote cemetery maintenance.
Cr Sajowitz said this arrangement has been beneficial in the past and both parties want to re-establish it.
"It is very valuable to the young offenders, not only providing supervised interaction with the community but at the same time allowing the community to extend the hand of trust and confidence to these young men, who, although they may have made poor choices in the past, are looking forward to a more positive future," she said.
"This is a win-win opportunity for both parties. There are many not-for-profit organisations in Oberon who would benefit hugely from this arrangement.
"Council will be setting up a scope of works for submission to the correctional centre who will then select the projects they are best equipped to assist with.
"So if your group or organisation would like to be part of this great project, please contact Gary Wallace or Sharon Swannell at council on 6329 8100 for further information or to register your request."
READ ALSO:
Cr Sajowitz said interested groups should not contact the correctional centre directly.
"There is strong motivation for the correctional centre inmates to participate in assisting drought-affected farmers and will be doing so through council's Farmers Aid initiative. The National Farm Aid Organisation were planning to visit Oberon this year, but upon reflection thought their assistance could be better placed in areas more severely affected by drought," Cr Sajowitz said.
"As a result, council determined to set aside $10,000 to assist our own farmers in need. It is hoped that volunteers from the community will come forward, and this is where the young offenders may play a role, to work on an on-farm project for farmers on drought-affected properties.
"Material costs will be financed from the allocated funds. If you are able to assist as a volunteer or if you are in need and would like to apply for assistance, please contact Lynette Safranek at council."
The correctional centre is keen to update its "neighbour list" with the view of keeping neighbours informed about what may be happening at the centre. Council will be sending letters to residents within 15 kilometres of the facility asking permission to supply names and addresses.
It is up to the resident whether they want to be part of the initiative.
