‘A correction is to right a wrong’

On August 14th, 25 people from industries spanning education, mining, construction, government, employment, telecommunications, community and professional development, social enterprise, water and waste management met at the Fulham Correctional Centre.

The GEO Group Australia, who manage the centre, are a compact member of the GROW Gippsland program and are passionate about the skills they provide the inmates before their release. GEO partners with industry in Gippsland to create a better outcome for ex-offenders, ensuring that the prisoner is more when he leaves, not only in education but in life skills too.

Guests were provided an overview of the corrections system, as well as the training and education provided to inmates, through pathways such as horticulture, construction, maintenance, small engine, hospitality, engineering and textiles. The courses allow for inmates to receive a Certificate II, with the possibility of completing an apprenticeship when they are released, improving their employment prospects.

Guests went away with inspiration; considering how they could contribute to the employment of the ex-offenders by providing opportunities in their own organisations.