Tuesday, 18 June 2024

Ministers statements: corrections system

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (13:37): I rise today to highlight the remarkable wildlife rehabilitation program at Beechworth Correctional Centre. I had the pleasure of visiting Beechworth last week, where I witnessed the program in action and saw firsthand how it exemplifies our commitment to rehabilitation and community reintegration. The wildlife rehabilitation program offers a unique opportunity for people in custody to engage in the care and rehabilitation of injured wildlife, including birds of prey, reptiles and other native Australian species – a lot of eagles and snakes. The program is made possible through a dedicated collaboration between Corrections Victoria and local wildlife rescue groups in north-east Victoria. These groups are often entirely volunteer run, and the partnership with Beechworth prison gives them more capacity to do their important work. It was great to see participants caring for injured animals with compassion and dedication. The program has aided in the rehabilitation of over 100 animals since the program’s beginning. Participants also learn important skills, such as wildlife-handling techniques, and the importance of wildlife conservation. More than 250 people in custody have engaged in the program, fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment and nurturing a sense of responsibility for the environment beyond the prison walls.

Beechworth prison is not just a rehabilitation centre for both people and wildlife, it is also a producer of local honey. The Sweet Justice program trains people in custody in beekeeping and honey production. Thankfully, the bees cluster in their hives for winter, making a trip to Beechworth a much sweeter experience. It is wonderful to see how initiatives like these help people break the cycle of reoffending by building skills and providing employment opportunities upon release. The wildlife rehabilitation program and Sweet Justice are great examples of how we can support individuals in custody while contributing positively to our communities and our environment.