Boronia Gala Day offers the public a chance to browse colourful market stalls offering arts and crafts, plants, baked goods and artisan woodwork created and donated by prisoners across WA and other items for sale.
Boronia residents also help to run the event, which takes place at the Bentley facility on Saturday, 14 November. Participation provides residents with a rewarding opportunity to engage with the public and give back to the community.
It also teaches valuable work and life skills through learning in areas like woodwork, metalwork, sewing and safe food handling and preparation.
The big drawcard is the Gala Day art auction, where dozens of art works created by talented prisoners across WA, framed by Boronia residents, go under the hammer.
Boronia Acting Superintendent Sharon Higgs said Gala Day turns 21 this year and is celebrating more than a milestone birthday.
“The event has raised more than $414,000 for charities since its inception, something we are all extremely proud of,” she said.
This year’s beneficiary is Fostering Hope Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that supports children and their carers to provide “out-of-home” (foster and kinship) care.
“Gala Day embodies the spirit of giving back,” Supt Higgs said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the public to find a unique item or art piece and see some of the incredible rehabilitative work happening at Boronia and across Corrective Services.”
Money is also raised by selling native plants, succulents, ornamentals, fruit trees and ground covers as well as a range of cakes, pastries and bread baked in Boronia’s kitchen.
Gala Day 2026 will take place on Saturday November 14, from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm, at Boronia Pre-Release Centre for Women in Bentley, with parking across the road at Curtin University.
