Communities and Justice

Inmates celebrate first fruitful harvest since 2020 bushfires

Staff and inmates are celebrating the first full production apple harvest since the 2020 bushfires at Mannus Correctional Centre, with around 2.1 million apples destined for Corrective Services NSW centres and local supermarkets.

The centre’s Manager of Industries Michael Craig said apple production at the site near Tumbarumba has been significantly hindered since the 2020 bushfires, which saw the prison evacuated and power for irrigation affected.

“It has taken, both from the overseers and the inmates, two and a half years to completely turn that infrastructure back around and actually start to produce apples,” Mr Craig said.

“It’s been a real achievement by everybody involved to bring us back from that, back up to today where we’re back into full production.

“We focus on vocational training through a wide range of employment including industries such as agriculture, sheep and cattle, and a timber workshop and [the] orchard.”

Minister for Corrections Geoff Lee said the skills inmates gain working at Mannus Correctional Centre provide invaluable experience as they navigate life post-release.

“Engaging in education and work opportunities while in prison decreases inmates risk of reoffending.

“Ultimately these rehabilitative programs are an investment in our communities, keeping families safe across our state,” Mr Lee said.

The minimum-security correctional centre spans 4,000 acres – about twice the size of Sydney airport – and 110 acres are planted with 25,000 apple trees.

The team helped the orchard recover to see ‘A grade’ quality Granny Smith and Royal Gala apples hit supermarket shelves, while also supplying CSNSW centres across the state with the fruit.   

Senior overseer Clint Ratapu works with up to 30 inmates on the orchard, which at its core, is about more than just supplying fresh fruit.

“We don’t just turn keys; we teach, we educate… the work experience here helps reduce reoffending,” Mr Ratapu said.

“The skills obtained over all the industries at Mannus help inmates to re-enter the community with a sense of self-worth and more ability to join the workforce.

Member for Albury Justin Clancy said working centres like Mannus Correctional Centre are key to education and vocational training.

“Our education and training programs reflect best practice education in the community and provide opportunities to gain recognised qualifications,” Mr Clancy said.

“I’m proud to see more people up-skill to join the agricultural industry, which is the backbone of our region and a strong employer.”

Mannus Correctional Centre is an all-male facility, housing up to 160 inmates.

Last updated:

20 May 2022