Riverbank celebrates 50 years with refurbishment and re-focus

The potential for adult and young offenders for rehabilitation has been enhanced with the opening today of the new Community Work Management Unit at the Riverbank facility at Caversham.

The facility's rebirth comes 50 years to the day since its opening. In that time it has operated as a juvenile detention centre, maximum security prison and a location for emergency services training.

Corrective Sevices Minister Christian Porter said the faciliy had been refurbished using adult offenders on work orders.

"This has enabled offenders to repay the community for their crimes while developing new skills and gaining vocational accreditation to help them break away from criminal behaviour," Mr Porter said.

"With this work and the innovative approach from the Liberal-National Government, the site is now equipped to run a variety of reparative and self-sustainability programs for both adult and young offenders.

"Programs will include the Men's Shed carpentry workshop where various wooden templates will be made for children's toys to be given to charity.

"Other programs will include traineeships in commercial laundry and assets maintenance; catering and kitchen hand programs; arts and crafts workshops; and educational, employment and life skills programs.

"This is the latest example of how this Government, through continually measuring and improving prisoner programs and providing other opportunities to support prisoners prior to their release, there is a good chance we can reduce the rate of recidivism."

Community-based offenders refurbished the two education classrooms, hall, library and arts and crafts workshop at the Riverbank facility.

They also worked to upgrade the former administration and cell block areas, with the administration area being converted to a gallery exhibiting art works undertaken through community services.

The facility's mechanical workshops are nearing completion and will be used to repair trailers, tools and equipment.  Work parties have also been involved in asset and grounds maintenance on a weekly basis.

The former detention centre buildings are expected to be fully renovated by December 2010.

Mr Porter acknowledged the dedication and passion of former and current staff who strived to make the difference in offender's lives for the benefit of the community.