Communities and Justice

South Nowra Prison celebrates 10 years

Last published on 12 Nov 2020 

The South Coast Correctional Centre is celebrating a decade of building community partnerships, creating local jobs and providing vital training, education and programs to inmates.

Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts said the centre has made a positive contribution to the local economy since it opened in 2010.

“South Coast Correctional Centre has been a major employer in the Shoalhaven region this past decade. In the last financial year alone, South Coast Correctional Centre contributed over $23 million to the local economy,” said Mr Roberts.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting regional communities across the State and South Nowra prison is a great example of how correctional centres can bring positive growth to regional towns.”

The South Nowra prison officially marked its 10th anniversary today, providing staff an opportunity to reflect upon the centre’s success.

Governor Larry Bolger said the centre’s 340 staff were proud of its fundraising and community partnerships.

“Over the past decade we’ve developed a really positive relationship with the Shoalhaven community and we’re proud of all the ways this centre supports local charities and not-for-profit organisations,” Mr Bolger said.

“Our centre supported jobs for local Aboriginal women at an on-site café during the centre’s expansion in recent years and earlier this year we donated staff and inmate time, labour and materials to build picnic benches for a local women’s refuge.

“Since we opened in 2010 our community projects team has provided valuable grounds maintenance and skilled labour to local sports grounds, wildlife corridors, schools and more recently a wombat sanctuary.

“All of our staff provide a vital public service by helping to reduce inmate reoffending and keeping our community safe.”

Commissioner Peter Severin said the centre has made a great contribution to the local community.

“Correctional centres provide meaningful, secure and well-paid employment enabling families to work and live in the regional towns they love instead of moving to the city,” Mr Severin said.

South Coast Correctional Centre is a 980-bed male minimum to maximum-security facility that provides a variety of work, education, training and programs options to help improve inmate rehabilitation.

The centre has a number of industries including furniture building and metal engineering workshops and laundry, kitchen and hygiene services.

Last updated:

15 Nov 2021