Published Tuesday, 20 March, 2007 at 02:07 PM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
MINISTER OPENS NEW SPIRITUAL CENTRE AT PALEN CREEK
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence today officially opened the new Spiritual Centre at Palen Creek Correctional Centre, near Rathdowney.
Ms Spence said the centre – a restored former prison residence – would be an important feature of the prison and a valuable resource to both staff and prisoners.
“When I visited the prison two years ago, the old Chapel was totally unsuitable for the ongoing spiritual needs of the Chaplaincy team, staff and prisoners,” Ms Spence said.
“It needed to be replaced by a building that could meet the needs of the centre and the Chaplaincy team.
“The new Spiritual Centre more than meets these needs, providing a place to hold religious services, bible studies, prayer meetings, and spiritual counselling and support.
“Since the building’s relocation in May last year, it has undergone a major transformation.
“The improvements include re-painting, new wiring and plumbing, and the replacement of floor and window coverings.
“These works, which totalled $45,000, were funded from the department’s Minor Capital Works budget and not from Palen Creek’s operating budget – so it has not impacted on the centre’s service delivery.”
Ms Spence said Queensland has a very diverse prisoner population, and religious diversity was no exception.
“This diversity is again reflected in this Spiritual Centre, which has been developed so that is suitable for use by all recognised faiths,” Ms Spence said.
“Where possible, Queensland Corrective Services makes every effort to meet the spiritual and cultural needs of as many prisoners as possible
“Offenders of various faiths are supported by regular visits by spiritual representatives, religious aids such as prayer mats can be kept in cells, religious dietary requirements can be met, and many centres support culturally important events.”
Ms Spence said Spiritual Centres play an important role in encouraging prisoners to either maintain their faith, or to discover a new and positive influence on their life.
Ms Spence said the new centre would allow the prison’s chaplaincy team to more effectively deliver their services to prisoners and staff.
Media contact: Scott Chandler 3239 6203 / 0408 734 497
Ms Spence said the centre – a restored former prison residence – would be an important feature of the prison and a valuable resource to both staff and prisoners.
“When I visited the prison two years ago, the old Chapel was totally unsuitable for the ongoing spiritual needs of the Chaplaincy team, staff and prisoners,” Ms Spence said.
“It needed to be replaced by a building that could meet the needs of the centre and the Chaplaincy team.
“The new Spiritual Centre more than meets these needs, providing a place to hold religious services, bible studies, prayer meetings, and spiritual counselling and support.
“Since the building’s relocation in May last year, it has undergone a major transformation.
“The improvements include re-painting, new wiring and plumbing, and the replacement of floor and window coverings.
“These works, which totalled $45,000, were funded from the department’s Minor Capital Works budget and not from Palen Creek’s operating budget – so it has not impacted on the centre’s service delivery.”
Ms Spence said Queensland has a very diverse prisoner population, and religious diversity was no exception.
“This diversity is again reflected in this Spiritual Centre, which has been developed so that is suitable for use by all recognised faiths,” Ms Spence said.
“Where possible, Queensland Corrective Services makes every effort to meet the spiritual and cultural needs of as many prisoners as possible
“Offenders of various faiths are supported by regular visits by spiritual representatives, religious aids such as prayer mats can be kept in cells, religious dietary requirements can be met, and many centres support culturally important events.”
Ms Spence said Spiritual Centres play an important role in encouraging prisoners to either maintain their faith, or to discover a new and positive influence on their life.
Ms Spence said the new centre would allow the prison’s chaplaincy team to more effectively deliver their services to prisoners and staff.
Media contact: Scott Chandler 3239 6203 / 0408 734 497