Shoalhaven prison inmates are "phenomenal" according to wildlife carer Shirley Lack.
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Ms Lack is the owner and founder of Karma wildlife sanctuary, and was caring for three baby wombats before the fires.
Drought had caused an influx of rescues up and down the coast. When carers further south were badly burnt trying to protect their rescued wombats, Ms Lack didn't hesitate to take on three more babies.
"We're definitely at capacity - but you always make room," she said.
"I was at my wits end a few weeks ago because I didn't know what was going to happen to these babies."
The South Coast Correctional Facility runs a program that takes minimum-security inmates out to work on community projects.
When they heard through the grapevine that Ms Lack and her wombats needed help, they didn't hesitate.
"We thought 'let's get the inmates together, and let's do it'," said coordinator Rob Duff.
"When this project was put forward the inmates donated their own money to buy the materials - together with staff they came up with $1500.
"We're building a compound so the wombats won't get out. In the middle is a food shed to keep feed dry and out of the weather."
Ms Lack said she was grateful for the help.
"The inmates have been unbelievable, I don't know what I would have done without them here," she said.
"I can't believe how much work they've done, it's phenomenal. They're really interested, and I could not thank them enough."
One of the inmates involved in the project said he felt "happy and positive" to give back to the community.
"It makes you feel normal," he said.
"It was very stressful during the fires, a lot of inmates were worried about their homes, but now we can get out and help."
Mr Duff said the program had been going for nine years between Ulladulla and Wollongong. Inmates who participated were selected for their "excellent behaviour" and they complete training before going out on the job.
He said he'd seen it have positive results.
"Just last week I ran into an ex-inmate down the street wearing a plumbers shirt, and he thanked me for the experience he got through this program," Mr Duff said.
"I think their work for the wildlife is the first thing they'll discuss with their families, and their families will be pretty chuffed as well."
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