The Mannus Correctional Centre inmates had wood from 4000 acres to cut, split and stack. Photo: Corrective Services NSW.
Inmates at Mannus Correctional Centre have been putting in the hard yards to give back to their community, raising $8000 for a local cancer foundation through a hands-on firewood project.
Led by the prison’s overseer Tracy John, the group of minimum security inmates worked together over several months to cut, split and stack fallen timber from the centre’s 4000-acre property south of Tumbarumba in the NSW Snowy Valleys region.
The firewood, once destined to rot on the ground, was turned into something meaningful.
It was sold to staff at the correctional centre and surrounding facilities, with every dollar of the proceeds donated to the Tumbarumba branch of Can Assist – a volunteer-run organisation that provides practical and financial support to locals undergoing cancer treatment.
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“We thought, there’s so much wood on the ground, why not clean up the paddocks, cut it, and sell it,” Ms John said.
“Can Assist do incredible work helping people with transport, treatment and support when they have cancer. And they’re not government funded.”
The effort saw the inmates produce an impressive 192 bins of firewood – a massive 86 tonnes in total.
Some split timber by hand for an added workout, while others took turns operating chainsaws and mechanical splitters under close supervision.
“It’s hard, physical work,” Ms John said, “but the men take a lot of pride in it. They know where the money’s going and that it’s helping real people in our community.”
The firewood was sold to raise funds. Photo: Corrective Services NSW.
For many inmates, the project offered more than just an opportunity to get outdoors. It was a chance to learn new skills – from chainsaw safety and teamwork to the value of community service.
“It teaches them about giving back to the community – and they’re all for that,” Ms John said.
“A lot of them have never really had the chance to contribute in a positive way before. When they see the difference it makes, it hits home.”
When the funds were handed over at a recent morning tea, representatives of Can Assist were deeply moved by the gesture.
“They were so appreciative they were almost in tears,” Ms John said.
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“They told us how much it means to families who are struggling with the costs of cancer treatment – things like fuel, accommodation and medical bills.”
Beyond its charitable impact, the project has strengthened ties between the correctional centre and the surrounding community – something staff at Mannus say is an important part of rehabilitation.
“These sorts of initiatives show the men that they can be part of something positive,” Ms John said.
“It helps build responsibility and pride in their work.”
With next year’s firewood already being prepared, the Mannus crew is determined to keep the project going and continue helping locals battling cancer – one log at a time.
