Parklea Correctional Centre is calling for expressions of interest for its community consultation committee which aims to support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending by discussing issues impacting the prison and its inmates.
Parklea Governor Paul Baker said the committee was a valuable tool to connect inmates with support services and project opportunities and hear the community’s ideas and concerns.
“Engaging with the community and making a positive contribution is a priority for us, which is why we are always exploring opportunities to give something back,” Mr Baker said.
“This includes our partnership with local charity Food Bank, which has seen more than two tonnes of organic vegetables grown by inmates and donated for their hampers over the past two years.
“We are also keen to make connections with organisations who can provide important assistance to the inmates in our care and have the experience and skills to help us better support them.
“I’d like to thank the current committee members for their participation over the past two years and we hope to continue those relationships.”
Current committee member and Mission Australia Area Manager Western Sydney Julie Jasprizza-Laus said the experience had been interesting and rewarding.
“I wanted to join the committee as we support and advocate for many men and women who are released from prison,” Ms Jasprizza-Laus said.
“I believe to reduce family and domestic violence, improve family relationships and enhance community safety we need to work together and the committee has provided the opportunity to make those connections.
“Mission Australia can play a part in assisting inmates prior to being released and Parklea’s Throughcare reintegration program has provided us an avenue to work together to benefit inmates being released from prison and develop a stronger partnership.”
To be a member of the committee you must: live or own a business near the prison and be an active member of the community; be a member of a stakeholder group, such as the justice sector, healthcare, inmate support organisations or advocacy groups.
The committee meets quarterly during business hours at the prison or online during Covid-19 restrictions.
To apply, please submit an expression of interest outlining why you want to be a member of the committee, your stakeholder group, skills and experience to: karen.smith2@broadspectrum.com by 8 April.
Parklea has been operated by MTC Australia on behalf of Corrective Services NSW since 2019.
