Thursday, 2 April 2026

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:26): Food relief agencies do amazing work right across our state helping Victorians who are doing it tough. That is certainly the case with Geelong Foodshare, which sources nutritious food and distributes it to families in need through more than 55 frontline community agencies in the Geelong region. Corrections Victoria are also doing their bit: prisoners at Marngoneet prison in Lara are growing more than 30 boxes of fresh vegetables each week and donating them to Geelong Foodshare. Using seeds donated by the Lara business Boomaroo Nurseries, prisoners work in the horticulture program inside the prison to produce a range of vegetables. They are learning real-life skills in commercial horticulture that will support them into employment opportunities following their release. The fruits of their labour are donated to Geelong Foodshare for distribution into the local community. In the past three months alone more than 15,000 kilograms of fresh vegetables have been produced at Marngoneet prison and donated to families in the Geelong region.

This program is not just about feeding families. It plays a key role in prisoner rehabilitation. It helps people in custody develop skills, build confidence and improve their mental health. Rehabilitation programs like these are driving down reoffending rates, and that is why I was proud to see that the report on government services shows that Victoria has the second-lowest recidivism rate this year, the lowest stats that we have had in the last decade. That means less crime, less victims and safer communities for all. It also mean families in need in Geelong are getting that bit of extra help to put fresh, healthy meals on the table. Today I want to take this opportunity to thank Geelong Foodshare, Boomaroo Nurseries and all the local partners that are working with Marngoneet prison and in particular our staff out there to make this fantastic initiative happen. Well done.