20/1/06
Prisoners and staff from Greenough Regional Prison have been congratulated on the important role they played in saving the town of Walkaway, near Geraldton, 400km north of Perth, from floodwaters.
Justice Minister John D’Orazio said local police had asked the prison superintendent if prisoners could help with sandbagging as the rapidly rising Greenough River threatened to burst its banks on Sunday.
“When Acting Superintendent Richard Lankester asked for volunteers, there was an enthusiastic response,” Mr D’Orazio said.
“A total of 15 prisoners joined police, State Emergency Service volunteers, shire workers and local residents to avoid a repeat of flooding which forced the town’s evacuation in 1999.
“The prisoners filled a staggering 3,000 sandbags in just a couple of hours.
“The local community was very grateful for their efforts.”
Mr D’Orazio said working for the community was an important role for the State’s prisoners.
“This sort of work is one way offenders can repay their debt to the community and it can also contribute to their own rehabilitation,” he said.
Minister's office: 9213 7150
