The specially constructed building is outside the main prison fence and was designed to provide a more comfortable environment for visitors while reducing the risk of contraband entering the facility.
Wooroloo Superintendent Glen Goodwin said the prisoners’ contribution was significant.
“They’re so proud of what they’ve achieved. They tell their families; ‘when you come to visit, you’ll be walking through a building which I worked on’.
“It’s also given them the chance to learn skills which will help them find jobs when they’re released.”
Industries Coordinator Craig said the standard of workmanship is extremely high.
“The prisoners did nearly 95 percent of the work. Everything from fabrication inside to structures outside like the railings on the veranda, the concreting. They followed engineering designs and added some of their own creativity too.”
“The work that’s gone into it is definitely top-notch,” he said.
Some of that creativity is on display in the form of a metal tree sculpture in the yard.
One of the prisoners involved in putting the tree together found it very satisfying.
“My friend came up to visit. She was quite impressed so she took a photo and sent it to my dad.”
All visits to Wooroloo are by appointment and are scheduled on weekends.
