Host Prison: Broome Regional Prison
The establishment of a prisoner work camp at Bungarun near Derby followed the success of a similar camp for Aboriginal prisoners in the Millstream-Chichester National Park.
The Aboriginal Justice Council played a key role in convening community consultation meetings in Fitzroy Crossing, Derby and Broome which agreed the former leprosarium outside Derby would be an ideal site for a work camp in the Kimberley.
The first prisoners took up home at the camp in March 2001 and have quickly become a valuable resource for the community.
The prisoners have completed the following work:
- restoration of the old Bungarun Chapel, cemetery, gaol and accommodation
- general maintenance and landscaping of Shire parks and gardens
- painting and maintenance of the Nunbla Nunga Aged Care Facility
- maintenance of the Joon Joo historical walk trail
- Maintenance of the race track at the West Kimberley Turf Club.
A community consultative committee has been established and has provided the work camp with a long list of community work.
In addition to work experience, the development of work skills is a high priority for prisoners at the Derby work camp. A strong partnership has developed with the Kimberley College of TAFE and a TAFE instructor attends the work camp to provide prisoners with accredited training in a range of skills including small hand and power machinery, horticulture and building maintenance.
Last Updated: 15-Jan-2009
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