QCS celebrate graduating prisoners at Borallon Training and Correctional Centre

Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan and Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Martin today congratulated 140 prisoners who completed MAX Solutions and TAFE Queensland courses.

Minister Ryan said Borallon Training and Correctional Centre provided prisoners with access to training opportunities to improve their skills and increase their chances of employment when released.

“The courses offered at the centre offer prisoners the chance to learn vocational skills to improve their chances of gaining employment, which will help them reintegrate with the community,” Minister Ryan said.

“We are committed to the humane containment, supervision and rehabilitation of prisoners, and today’s graduates is another great example of how we are doing that.”

Borallon Training and Correctional Centre provides prisoners with a range of vocational programs aimed at providing prisoners with skills to enable them to gain employment on release, with an on-site campus, teachers, and IT facilities.

Commissioner Martin said the great partnership forged between Queensland Corrective Services and TAFE Queensland delivers a unique but positive experience for the prisoners.

“In the last 12 months, more than 500 prisoners have accessed higher-education courses across various industries, such as engineering and construction,” Commissioner Martin said.

“As part of the Certificate II in Construction course, prisoners design and build a cubby house which is then put to use in an area of need in the community, such as a school.

“As a top tier, forward thinking public safety agency, we are committing to breaking the cycle of reoffending at this industry, world-leading centre and improving prisoner outcomes.”

Prisoner employment Grid Entrepreneurial Hub launched

Minister Ryan and Commissioner Martin also officially launched the Grid Entrepreneurial Hub (The Grid) today at Borallon Training and Correctional Centre.

Prisoners employed with The Grid, which is an initiative of workRestart at Borallon Training and Correctional Centre, will work with businesses to receive help with building skills and confidence while helping to create and grow the business.

Minister Ryan said he was delighted to see businesses such as Golden Bone Bakery working with prisoners.

“I thank those businesses taking part. It is because of them and their knowledge they are sharing that the prisoners’ future looks brighter with a better chance of employment, further reducing their risk of reoffending.”

Innovation Minister Kate Jones said workRestart was one of the key partners in the Advancing Regional Innovation Program (ARIP).

“Under ARIP, 12 regions each receive $500,000 over three years to develop projects that support the local economy and create jobs,” she said.

“Innovation is about changing people’s lives and the training provided by workRestart will give prisoners the support and skills they need to transition to employment.”

Commissioner Martin said The Grid specifically connected prisoners with starting entrepreneurs and established businesses.

“Prisoners are provided the opportunity to learn about running a business or how to develop a business plan which they may choose to follow with once released,” he said.

“Some prisoners may be offered with a six-month opportunity with FireStation 101, Ipswich City Council’s innovation hub, which puts them in contact with mentors and assists them with starting their business.

“This is about working together in partnership to achieve positive outcomes, and I truly believe we are doing that.”

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Media contacts 

Minister Ryan’s Office:  3035 8300