The graduation ceremony celebrated the end of a 5-week fulltime training course, aimed at offering the women practical skills, industry-recognised qualifications and a path to employment as they prepare for release.
The “Breaking Through Program” is a partnership between the Department of Justice, Reboot Australia, Workskil Australia and ReGen, offering training and mentoring to help participants build better futures.
Assistant Director Prisoner Employment Programs and Transitional Services Leannder Farr said the program shows that women can achieve long-term change if the right services and people are in place.
“By working in partnership with these services, we can provide the throughcare and support to prepare for release and continue that support in the community,” Ms Farr said. “These women have developed lifelong skills and confidence through the program, and I believe in them.”
Reboot Australia CEO Anthony MacShane said employment is key in helping people successfully reintegrate into the community.
“We support people throughout their journey back into society, connecting them with mentors who have lived experience and understand the challenges they may face,” Mr MacShane said.
“This is the first time we’ve supported the Cert II in Civil Construction for women, and I’m incredibly impressed by their resilience, determination and commitment.”
Mr MacShane said that many women had experienced significant hardships and showed incredible strength through the course.
ReGen Trainer Tyler Bennett delivered the program, teaching practical construction skills, including the safe use of power tools and the construction of furniture projects.
“This group is exceptional. They've picked up everything so quickly, were highly engaged and eager to apply their new skills,” Mr Bennett said. “I’m glad the course helped build their confidence too.”
Superintendent Andrew Hughes said the graduates had the opportunity to take control of their lives and build more positive futures.
“You can now celebrate a massive shift in your stories, and I’m proud of what you have achieved,” Mr Hughes told the graduates.
“Boronia is a place of opportunity, and this qualification shows what you’re capable of – I encourage you to build on this success, pursue a future to be proud of and never give up.”
Several graduates spoke about the impact the program had on them and the opportunities it created for their futures.
“It's just incredible to know that we're not going to be judged for what we've done, but supported for who we've become,” one resident said.
“Thank you to Rebook, ReGen, Workskil and the Department of Justice for creating these programs and giving us a chance as ex-offenders to be able to step forward.”
The program is part of Boronia's commitment to supporting women in custody to develop the skills, confidence and connections needed to successfully transition into employment and community life.
Print this page
