South Coast Correctional Centre continues to give back to the community through the COVID-19 crisis.
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The community projects team was stymied in the early days of the pandemic due to lockdown restrictions.
But after Kim Kenny from Supported Accomodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven and Illawarra (SAHSSI) reached out for help, the crew were quick to get on the tools.
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SAHSSI had also been affected by COVID - mums and kids wanted to spend time outside in a safe place, and while the women's refuge had a play area for children there was nowhere for mums to sit.
Ms Kenny used to work at the correctional centre and was familiar with their community work. She got in touch with community projects officer Rob Duff, and he leapt at the opportunity.
"It's been a great project," he said.
"The inmates see something they can do to help others and take pride in their work."
Staff at the facility also got on board, holding a fundraiser to pay for the cost of the building materials, and inmates produced three picnic table and chair sets.
On Tuesday, August 27, the third and final picnic table was delivered to SAHSSI, who gave the centre a certificate of appreciation in return.
Ms Kenny said there were some surprising connections between the two services.
"They're both about supporting vulnerable people and keeping the community safe," she said.
"The inmates want to give back to the community, and this is a small opportunity to do that.
"And now our mums have somewhere to sit, enjoy the sunshine and watch their children play. It's great."
Governor of the South Coast Correctional Centre Mick Reid said the project had a positive impact on the inmates as well.
"It's a good thing for the refuge, a good thing for us and a good thing for the community," he said.
"I fully support the work we're doing assisting charities around the community, and I think it has a good effect on reducing reoffending and recidivism."
