Offenders work hard to give back to Bundaberg community

Vandalised public spaces in the Bundaberg region are being repaired and rejuvenated by offenders on Community Service orders.

In partnership with Bundaberg Regional Council, Queensland Corrective Services’ Bundaberg Community Corrections gives offenders the opportunity to give back to the community harmed by their offending behaviour with valuable labour.

Regional Manager Louise Kneeshaw said the work also enabled offenders to develop vocational skills to assist with obtaining employment.

“In the most recent project, offenders worked around the region, repairing park benches, removing graffiti, repainting walls at the Bundaberg Art Gallery and rejuvenating garden beds.

“They’ve shown they can work hard and gained some important skills,” Ms Kneeshaw said

In this financial year to date, 52 offenders have completed 2,526.25 hours of work, cleaning up public spaces for all to enjoy.

Bundaberg Regional Council Area Supervisor, Parks and Recreation, Greg Hart said the offenders’ work greatly helped with the maintenance of parks and other public areas.

“We use them five days a week in areas that our maintenance crews might not usually get to.

“Their work is of great benefit to the people of the region and saves ratepayers money

“I could see the day that council would employ someone from the program who has proven themselves,” Mr Hart said.