Gunnedah offenders’ work helps warm the community

Last published on 09 Aug 2021 

Gunnedah Community Corrections staff and offenders have been busy knitting up a storm creating blankets for local charities and people experiencing disadvantage.

Manager Betty Stefanovic said the opportunity to learn a new skill, develop confidence and give back to the community has had an obvious effect on those completing Community Service Work.

“In the past few months we’ve worked with 10 offenders to teach them the basics of knitting and they've been creating squares that we sew together to make blankets,” Ms Stefanovic said.

“Although the program is new, we’ve noticed even in a short amount of time that both male and female offenders have been really proud of their efforts.

“There has been a real shift in their moods – they’ve really benefited from not only learning new skills from our community volunteers, but it has built up their self-confidence.

“One of the offenders is so thrilled with the program that she has asked to come back once her Community Service Work order is finished, this time as a volunteer.

“We would love to see more members of our community come and join us at these knitting bees and share their knowledge and stories with us.”

The Community Service Work team have partnered with the Salvation Army and local charities to deliver their completed blankets to people experiencing disadvantage.

“The group is really enjoying working together to create something beautiful and worthwhile. It has given them a real appreciation of what it means to be community-minded,” Ms Stefanovic said.

Anyone wanting to volunteer or make wool donations can contact Gunnedah Community Corrections on (02) 6740 1001.

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