WOODFORD PRISONERS RESTORE BICYCLES FOR NEEDY KIDS
Published Tuesday, 14 November, 2006 at 11:45 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Just in time for Christmas … today Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence has handed over two dozen pushbikes to the Salvation Army which have been restored by prisoners at Woodford Correctional Centre.
Ms Spence said the bikes had been fully repaired in the high security prison’s workshop by prisoners who are completing a TAFE course as part of their vocational training.
“This is one of the many ways prisoners are able to give back to the community while serving their sentence,” Ms Spence said.
Ms Spence said some of the bikes had been purchased for $5 each from local bike shops, while others had been donated.
“The prisoners have done a ‘bicycle maintenance’ course at TAFE and been taught to replace tyres and tubes, replace the wheel spokes, attach new handlebar grips, touch-up the paintwork and clean and re-grease bearings and cogs,” Ms Spence said.
“This work gives the prisoners vocational skills and a work ethic, both of which assist in their rehabilitation.”
The first seven bikes were today given to a group of young teenagers who are clients of the Salvos’ Youth Outreach Service.
Salvation Army’s Major Debbie Hindle said the remaining bikes will be distributed to families on Brisbane’s northside and Caboolture as part of the Salvos’ Christmas Appeal.
Ms Spence said the Salvation Army will swap two dozen broken bikes for the refurbished ones, which will help keep the project continuing and give another set of prisoners the opportunity to participate in the successful project.
“Correctional staff are constantly seeking practical ways they can produce products or services that contribute back to the community,” Ms Spence said.
“For example, Woodford Correctional Centre’s workshops have this year manufactured 400 swags for Brisbane’s homeless, and 230 wildlife boxes which are used by environmental groups to re-establish animal habitats.
“The centre is currently refurbishing pews for a local church.”
Woodford Correctional Centre also runs a range of fund raising activities, including the successful “Cans for Kids” recycling project, which to date has raised $2,400 for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Media contact: Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287
Ms Spence said the bikes had been fully repaired in the high security prison’s workshop by prisoners who are completing a TAFE course as part of their vocational training.
“This is one of the many ways prisoners are able to give back to the community while serving their sentence,” Ms Spence said.
Ms Spence said some of the bikes had been purchased for $5 each from local bike shops, while others had been donated.
“The prisoners have done a ‘bicycle maintenance’ course at TAFE and been taught to replace tyres and tubes, replace the wheel spokes, attach new handlebar grips, touch-up the paintwork and clean and re-grease bearings and cogs,” Ms Spence said.
“This work gives the prisoners vocational skills and a work ethic, both of which assist in their rehabilitation.”
The first seven bikes were today given to a group of young teenagers who are clients of the Salvos’ Youth Outreach Service.
Salvation Army’s Major Debbie Hindle said the remaining bikes will be distributed to families on Brisbane’s northside and Caboolture as part of the Salvos’ Christmas Appeal.
Ms Spence said the Salvation Army will swap two dozen broken bikes for the refurbished ones, which will help keep the project continuing and give another set of prisoners the opportunity to participate in the successful project.
“Correctional staff are constantly seeking practical ways they can produce products or services that contribute back to the community,” Ms Spence said.
“For example, Woodford Correctional Centre’s workshops have this year manufactured 400 swags for Brisbane’s homeless, and 230 wildlife boxes which are used by environmental groups to re-establish animal habitats.
“The centre is currently refurbishing pews for a local church.”
Woodford Correctional Centre also runs a range of fund raising activities, including the successful “Cans for Kids” recycling project, which to date has raised $2,400 for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Media contact: Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287