South West prisoners to give back to region in new initiative

Prisoners in the South West will be giving back to the community by contributing to the restoration of some of the South West’s favourite locations.

Minimum security prisoners from Bunbury Regional Prison have been put to work at various locations around the Capes as part of the special work program, including Ngilgi Cave near Yallingup and the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.

Authorised prisoners are permitted to take part in the supervised community work, usually helping with not-for-profit groups.

Prison assistant superintendent Shane Dowell said the prisoners were proud to work on the projects.

“There’s a great sense of satisfaction in learning new skills and knowing that they’re working on significant projects at some of the State’s most iconic locations,” he said.

At Ngilgi Cave, the prisoners will contribute to the Ancient Lands Experience, coordinated by local not-for-profit tourism operator Capes Foundation.

When completed, the project will provide a unique above-ground experience, taking visitors on a journey to discover 600 million years of stories associated with the land and its people, complementing the cave’s pre-existing below ground tours.

At the lighthouse, the prisoners have helped with the restoration of the original lighthouse keeper’s cottages, one of which is set to host an interpretive experience to help visitors understand the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families, as well as general yard maintenance.

Capes Foundation director Steve Harrison said the prisoners’ contribution had been invaluable.

“Without the hard work of the prisoners some of these projects simply wouldn’t be completed, so not-for-profit groups like ours are very grateful for the assistance,” he said.