Corrective Services Minister Terry Redman will join several community and Department of Corrective Services representatives at the official opening of the Wheatbelt Work Camp (WWC) at 1.30pm in Dowerin.

Funded through the State Government’s $655million Custodial Infrastructure Program, the WWC is the first purpose-built work camp in the region. It will house 20 low-risk, minimum security prisoners who will undertake valuable community work.

Managed by Wooroloo Prison Farm, the work camp is based in Dowerin but the scope of community works will be broad: the shires of Kellerberrin, Merredin, Tammin, Wyalkatchem, Goomalling, Wongan Hills and Cunderdin will all be eligible to receive assistance with conservation, maintenance and construction projects.

Mr Redman said the Dowerin camp was the latest in an ongoing series after recent openings at Warburton in September and Wyndham in June.

“The projects undertaken through work camps are immeasurable in their benefits to local communities and the skills and esteem gained by prisoners is a key factor in their reintegration into society,” he said.

“Last year there were 70 work camp prisoners and 28 officers who became involved in community projects across the State. About 62,000 hours of community work were carried out, providing an estimated saving to taxpayers of $1million.

“Strong collaboration with the local community is vital for a work camp to succeed - they rely on local groups to engage prisoners in meaningful worthwhile projects to help prisoners re-connect with society through a structured work day in a public setting.

“They continue to be embraced by the regions in which they are based - not only do communities love being part of making a positive difference, but they in turn have their local amenities, environment and services enhanced.”