Host prison: Wooroloo Prison Farm
The current Wheatbelt prisoner work camp is based in Kellerberrin and serves Kellerberrin, Tammin and Merredin.
The work camp is located on the outskirts of the town and prisoners are housed at the old Iris Litis School. The property is on several hectares of land and prisoners have responsibility for looking after large gardens, a vegetable patch and chickens, in addition to their community work.
Sponsored by the Kellerberrin Centennial Association, the work camp started operating in February 2000 as a five-day operation. It now operates seven days a week.
In May 2009, the Minister for Corrective Services announced funding for a new purpose-built Wheatbelt Work Camp, which will accommodate 20 minimum-security male prisoners.
Having a new work camp in the Wheatbelt region will make a valuable difference to the region by using the skills of prisoners to do worthwhile projects that may not otherwise get done.
The proposed work camp will consist of a hub (a permanent facility), with the potential for a number of attached satellite camps, to allow prisoners to undertake short periods of work in other communities, as well as in more remote locations via mobile work groups.
Designs for the new work camp have been completed and the development will include prisoner accommodation, staff accommodation, workshops, kitchen and laundry facilities and education facilities.
The new work camp model will also allow for offenders on community-based orders to work together with prisoners.
Court-ordered community work projects through Repay WA and work camps not only give many offenders the chance to physically repay their debt for crimes committed, they also offer ways for them to gain new skills and capabilities, increase self-worth and develop a greater sense of community spirit.
The Department is now seeking expressions of interest from local government authorities, communities and organisations in the Wheatbelt region interested in hosting this development.
For more information about the proposed work camp, view prospective member’s information publications and application form below, or call the Wheatbelt Work Camp Project Officer, Peter Zappelli on (08) 9264 1098.
Applications close on Tuesday 15 December 2009.
Last Updated: 28-Oct-2009
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