Sandbags at the ready in Maryborough
Prisoners at Maryborough Correctional Centre are helping the community prepare for Cyclone Alfred by filling sandbags for residents to use in the event of flooding in the region.
About 5,000 sandbags are filled throughout the year by prisoners at Maryborough as part of their work programs and provided to Fraser Coast Regional Council and the local State Emergency Service (SES).
General Manager of Maryborough Correctional Centre, Chief Superintendent John Owens said the correctional centre had played a hand in disaster preparedness by filling sandbags since 2018.
"Queensland Corrective Services plays an important role in supporting disaster management groups across Queensland prepare for and clean up after weather events," Ch Supt Owens said.
"We are a proud part of the Fraser Coast Community and filling sandbags is one way that prisoners can give back to the community as part of their rehabilitation.
"Having prisoners get hands-on with vital community work assists them in developing a strong work ethic and self-esteem, which supports their successful reintegration into society upon release."
During the recent North Queensland weather event, prisoners also helped fill sandbags and assisted to the community with disaster preparedness and recovery.
For the latest information, warnings and advice on severe weather, visit:
- Bureau of Meteorology: bom.gov.au
- ABC local radio: abc.net.au/local
- Find your Local Disaster Dashboard: www.getready.qld.gov.au/find-your-local-council
- More info on how to plan ahead: getready.qld.gov.au/getting-ready/cyclones#cyclones-and-storms-and-flooding
