We thank Uncle Allan Oldridge, a retiring Aboriginal Visitor Scheme (AVS) officer whose warmth and dedication has touched lives across WA’s prisons for the past 15 years.
Known by staff and prisoners alike as “Uncle Allan”, he’s worked across Casuarina, Bandyup, and Hakea Prisons, offering emotional support and cultural connection to Aboriginal prisoners.
The AVS was originally formed to help prevent Aboriginal deaths in custody, and Allan has had a major influence on identifying risks and improving the wellbeing of Aboriginal prisoners.
“My goal is to help the boys as much as I can”, he says. “Every day, I listen to those going through tough times, grief, loss. I’m there to give them an ear to listen to.”
Men in prison know they can count on him.
“If anyone has any problems, I don’t care what it is, I want the boys to call me”, he says.
Despite the emotional toll of the work, Uncle Allan hasn’t lost his warm smile. He reflects on his time with pride.
“In a few weeks I will drive out of the car park for the last time, and I’ll ask myself: Did I do any good? And I’ll be able to answer that honestly - yes.”
He quotes Mark Twain to describe his feeling about working with Justice:
“There are only two important days in your life. One’s the day you’re born. The other’s the day you realised why. The day I joined AVS, I realised why I was born.”
Uncle Allan is grateful for all the support he’s received from Principal officers and senior staff across Justice.
“I’ve always felt supported. I go home each night, knowing I’ve helped someone.”
But the work isn’t easy, some days are tough.
“They don’t expect me to fix their problems, but they expect me to listen to them, and yes, it does affect me.”
He also helped detainees stay connected with family, organising phone calls home.
One of his proudest moments? Receiving the Superintendent’s Award in 2018 for his exceptional support, even outside work hours.
“I’m still pretty proud of it to this day, that was a big buzz for me.”
When asked what advice he would give to new AVS officers, he answered:
“I know I’m not going to help them all. But my goal is to have one win a day”, he said.
His impact reaches beyond prison walls. He reflected on a time he was walking through the mall with his wife when a former prisoner came up to give him a hug.
“Yeah, it’s a great feeling to know that your work has helped someone and has made a lasting difference.”
He’s also helped many navigate through thoughts of suicide.
“I talk them out of it. That’s what I do.”
Asked what he’ll be doing once retired in a few weeks he said:
“My Missus is at home right now planning our big lap around Australia.”
Asked about any other plans after his retirement, he said “Fishing, fishing and more fishing.”
His final message to the men he’s supported?
“This isn’t the end. This is only a stop on your journey. When you get out, you can choose the next stop. It’s not hopeless.”
AVS State Manager, Israel Bundjuri, thanked Uncle Allan for his service.
“Your dedication and achievements over the past 15 years have left a lasting impact on both staff and prisoners. You’ve helped shape a more compassionate and culturally responsive justice system, and your support has changed lives”, he said.
These 24/7 crisis support services are available for anyone experiencing mental health challenges:
Beyond Blue Support Service - 1300 22 4636
13YARN - 139276
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