A former detainee has returned to Banksia Hill as a role model to show the young people in care that there are opportunities to live a better life beyond custody.
The young man is one of the first former detainees to take part in a collaborative initiative between the Department of Justice, the Waalitj Foundation and contractor Programmed.
The initiative provides young people in detention with training and qualifications before helping them secure stable employment after their release.
The former detainee joined Programmed’s facility management arm in January and has been working steadily since, now considering future options training as an electrician or in carpentry.
“Today has been a full circle moment, seeing this person thriving, we’re so proud of how he has developed as a young man,” Department of Justice Principal Youth Education Sandra Dusz said.
“The young people here have been beyond excited to see him again – we couldn’t have asked for a better role model.”
The former detainee spoke to classes at the Centre, including several students who knew him when he was in care, to share the story of his success and make them aware of the opportunities the work program offers.
“I was a troubled little kid and I didn’t care about anything or anyone – Banksia made a big difference in my life,” he said. “My message today is don’t be afraid to ask for help and keep striving until you reach your goal.”
“You could just see how engaged the young people were,” Programmed’s Justice Reintegration Team Leader, Ben Hasler said. “There’s a big strong workforce in here and they’re upskilled and eager to start their working career.”
Young people hired are involved in gardening, landscaping and maintenance work for contracted clients of Programmed, which also provides wraparound assistance for them and their families or support networks.
Based on the early success of the program the employer is engaging with other potential candidates at Banksia Hill.
“They helped me with so much stuff like a resume and qualifications I never thought I’d get,” one of the potential next recruits said.
“Now I know when I get out, I have a job that’s going to occupy me and people that are going to be there for me, to support me and guide me in the right direction.”
Detainees at Banksia Hill can participate in on-site certificate courses in trades including construction and horticulture.
Two new programs initially piloted in 2023 were a Certificate II course in Civil Construction funded by the Waalitj Foundation and working at heights and in confined spaces training provided by Yalagan Group.
Expos are also held at the facility where detainees can meet employers and educators and create opportunities for work and further training after release.
“It gives you a sense of hope that you can achieve things when you get out,” the next detainee set to join Programmed said. “I now have that belief that I will do well for myself.”
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