On top of literacy and numeracy classes conducted in a new classroom, the Department is offering cultural, artistic and recreational programs seven days a week to help support and rehabilitate vulnerable detainees.
The Hip Hop 101 program is delivered at Unit 18 by founder and coordinator Optamus (Scott Griffiths) and fellow rappers Rush Wepiha (Te Hiiritanga Wepiha), Flewnt (Josh Eggington) and producer Ray Tanielu.
The Unit 18 program is an extension of Banksia Beats, a long-running program at Banksia Hill Detention Centre.
“The Hip Hop program is educational as well as therapeutic,” Department Acting Director General Joanne Stampalia said. “Detainees learn a range of skills like lyric writing and improved computer literacy.”
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said: “Engagement in Hip Hop is extremely positive and it’s pleasing to see the pride young people have shown in turning a vacant cell into a makeshift recording studio.”
Rush Wepiha is a Hip Hop artist featured on Triple J who this year is also judging Olympic qualifiers in Breaking (break dancing).
Rush said detainees in Unit 18 had recorded close to 100 songs. He said once young people had been released, they could also become involved in through-care Hip Hop programs established in the community.
“Through music, young people speak about issues they’re going through, their families and stuff happening in their lives,” he said. They’re being counselled and don’t even realise it.”
One young person engaged in the Hip Hop program said: “I come here to write my lyrics. I think of family out there and tell my stories in my songs.”
A second young person said: “When we come in here, it’s like we’re not locked up. You get all sorts of different feelings sitting here making music.”
Another popular recreation activity at Unit 18 is the Deadly Minds art therapy program, run by Self Made Indigenous Corporation husband and wife team Aaron and Quin.
“Alongside four detainees, we’ve painted a psychology office within Unit 18,” Quin said.
“Young people were proud to create a colourful counselling space adorned with Aboriginal artwork that not only promotes mindfulness but connection to culture.”
The four detainees involved in the painting project left their handprints in the artwork. One said it was “inspiring” and “felt good to make the centre look good”.
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