WORLD YOUTH DAY CROSS TRAVELS THROUGH TOWNSVILLE PRISONS

The Townsville Correctional Centre will today host the World Youth Day Cross, as part of its journey throughout Australia.

Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence said the religious cross, which is on a national tour in the lead up to World Youth Day in Sydney next year, will enter the correctional facility this morning, before a service is conducted within the centre.

“This government, together with Queensland Corrective Services, is committed to meeting the spiritual and cultural needs of as many prisoners as possible,” Ms Spence said.

“The journey of the cross, which has been blessed by the Pope, presents the perfect opportunity for prisoners to be involved in a culturally significant event.

“I’m pleased Townsville Correctional Centre is able to be involved on the tour itinerary and the clergy have showed great support for prisoner involvement.”

Ms Spence said the cross will be carried into the centre by Townsville Bishop Michael Putney, who will then conduct a religious ceremony for the benefit of a group of mainstream prisoners.

“This government is committed to encouraging prisoners to either maintain their faith, or to discover a new and positive influence in their life,” Ms Spence said.

“Today’s event will hopefully provide prisoners with inspiration and allow them to embrace their faith.”

Ms Spence said prisoners throughout Queensland have access to 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.

“Prison spiritual leaders play a major role in helping prisoners get their lives back on track,” Ms Spence said.

“This government provides more than $346,000 in funding annually for chaplaincy programs in Queensland correctional centres.

“Our 125 chaplains offer a range of services to all prisoners, and through their calming influence, these dedicated volunteers assist prisoners to progress through their sentence and help correctional staff maximise the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.”

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY – The cross will depart the prison at 11am. Media outlets seeking vision of the cross being carried from the centre should attend the visits processing area by 10.45am. The Centre Manager will also be available for comment at this time.

Media Contact: Troy Davies – 3239 6218/ 0439 673 287