Junee Corectional Centre inmates getting hands-on for cause | Photos

The inmates, who are enrolled with TAFE NSW, are taking on the challenging project of fully restoring a WB Holden ute.

When completed, the vehicle will be raffled to raise proceeds for Can Assist Junee. 

The project hopes to raise up to $50,000 annd was made possible through a partnership between TAFE NSW and GEO Group, which donated the ute.

The restored ute is expected to travel to the Deni Ute Muster in September and potentially make its way to the Bathurst 1000 in October.

TAFE NSW Junee trade teachers specialising in spray painting, automotive restoration and repair, panel beating, and mechanical engineering, are assisting the inmates with the project.

“Our teachers manage all aspects of the project, allowing the inmates to develop skills as the project unfolds, and while this may take some time, the results do speak for themselves,” TAFE NSW Junee manager for training service and corrections Mark Apps said.

“Any type of project work inside a correctional centre is beneficial because the inmates in the different trade groups can actually see the results of their accomplishments.”

Mr Apps said the project was a great opportunity for the inmates to develop their skills and gain a sense of pride.

“This project is much more than just raising money for a charity, it is also about giving inmates an opportunity through education to redirect their lives and develop knowledge and skills to gain employment away from a life of crime and misdirection,” he said. 

“A lot of these inmates have never had such an opportunity and TAFE NSW Junee is giving them that opportunity to experience education and gain a sense of belonging to a project.”