Roebourne prisoners build picnic tables and bike racks for Pilbara community

Newly built bike racks at Pannawonica School have not only benefited students, but increased the self- esteem of the prisoners from Roebourne Work Camp who manufactured them. The Town work camp enables minimum security Roebourne prisoners to improve their rehabilitation prospects by participating in programs and skills to enhance their prospects for employment. This was epitomised by the prisoners honing carpentry skills in not only building the bike ramps for Pannawonica School, but also fresh picnic tables for the Karijini National Park. The crew fabricated the steel framework for more than 40 pieces of furniture which have been placed at the car parks of popular attractions like Weano and Knox gorges and Fortescue Falls. Roebourne Work Camp Senior officer Paul said the prisoners gained valuable wielding insights while constructing the picnic tables. “We had a variety of skill levels on the project. From prisoners who had never used a drill, to qualified welders,” Paul said. “This allowed the experienced workers to pass on their knowledge and skills and support the less experienced ones.” Pannawonica School manager of corporate services Jess said the bike ramps have made an indelible, positive impact on the school and its students. “Lots of kids ride to and from school and we didn’t have enough racks, but it just wasn’t cost effective to buy them from elsewhere,” Jess said. “The prisoners at Roebourne have done a wonderful job, and we’re hoping they’ll make us a mud kitchen next!”