Wrought iron pieces made by detainees help raise funds for Salvation Army

15/6/99
Banksia Hill Detention Centre detainees are helping raise money for the Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal.
Attorney General Peter Foss said a number of wrought iron pieces, carefully crafted by Banksia Hill detainees, were today handed over to the Salvation Army.
Mr Foss said the work, including wrought iron tables with glass table tops and free standing and table top candelabras, would be sold in Salvation Army stores throughout Perth, with proceeds going to the Red Shield Appeal.
The Minister said the program had been operating as part of the detainees' afternoon voluntary programs for about eight months.
"Banksia Hill programs area introduced the initiative as it wanted the detainees to make something for someone other than themselves and put something back into society," Mr Foss said.
"Every detainee is required to make two wrought iron pieces - one which they keep and the other which they must donate to the selected charity."
Mr Foss said the detainees completed the task from start to finish with guidance from the metalwork workshop instructor.
"Some detainees couldn't even weld when they joined the program," he said.
"But with guidance, they now know how to weld, bend steel, spray paint and bronze the iron to produce these pieces which are of a professional standard.
"The detainees themselves enjoy the program as it allows them to be creative; it teaches them new skills and it allows them to give something back to the society which they have wronged."
Media contact: Chris Morris 9321 2222