Revolutionary program supporting prisoner rehabilitation

Low security prisoners in Townsville have trialled a new community service program restoring ecosystems that support the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area while connecting them to nature.

Developed in partnership with Envite Environment and Queensland Corrective Services, and funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, the Reef Revolution pilot program aims to build the skills and capacity of prisoners in conservation and eco-system management, aiding their transition from prison to employment upon their release.

Envite Regional Manager, Natasha Rodwell said the program was revolutionary in many ways.

“We have been mindful in its design to focus on meaningful outcomes for the community and individuals alike,” Ms Rodwell said.

“We’re working with participants to develop skills to address weed management, erosion control and bank stabilisation, as well as restoration and planting of native seedlings.”

Participants of the Reef Revolution program are guided by Envite to restore the ecosystem around Mundy Creek, a small coastal drainage system running from Garbutt to the coast at Rowes Bay and out onto the Great Barrier Reef.

The site plays an important role in the drainage and flood mitigation system of Townsville and has important spiritual and social connections for Traditional Owners and the broader community.

Ms Rodwell said it was important to choose a site that would not only have important environmental and social impacts but be accessible to participants in future years so they can take pride in the positive outcomes of their hard work.

“For many prisoners, gaining employment upon their release can be a daunting and challenging process,” she said.

“By developing these practical work skills, including communication and teamwork, participants of the Reef Revolution program have demonstrable work experience that will aid their job search and reintegration into community.”

Recognising the impact of the work on the First Nations community, the program also includes sessions with an Elder teaching ethnobotany and indigenous environmental philosophy.

Townsville Men’s Correctional Centre Deputy General Manager George Muir said the three month pilot program allowed Queensland Corrective Services to trial the impact of nature-based community service on prisoner wellbeing and capacity building, with the aim of incorporating it into the Community Services Program.

“The Community Services Program has a long and successful history in turning around the lives of prisoners,” he said.

“Community service is a positive way for supervised offenders to make reparation to the community as well as developing important life and vocational skills.

“These unique programs are vital in ensuring people who come into contact with the correctional system are less likely to return to crime.”

The first group of participants commenced at Mundy Creek in April under the guidance of a QCS Supervisor and Envite’s qualified Bush Regenerator.