Centrelink and NT Correctional Services partnership launched
Northern Territory media release
Thursday, 1 July 2010
A new partnership agreement between Centrelink and NT Correctional Services (NTCS) was signed this week at the Living Skills Unit of Darwin Correctional Centre. A new Centrelink DVD for pre-release prisoners was also launched.
The agreement makes it possible for Centrelink to provide improved services with full IT connectivity to prisoners prior to their release.
The agreement was signed by Centrelink Area Manager, Area North Australia, Barbara Causon and the Executive Director of NT Correctional Services Ken Middlebrook.
Ms Causon said that it was an exciting day for both Centrelink and NTCS with the signing of the agreement and the release of the DVD.
"The DVD is a pioneering Centrelink product that provides information to Indigenous prisoners in Indigenous languages," Ms Causon said.
"The DVD has been developed for Indigenous prisoners from remote areas who don’t speak English as their first language and is available in 6 Indigenous languages: Anindilyakwa, Djambarrpuyngu Yolgnu-matha, Murrinh-Patha, Warlpiri, Kimberley Kriol and Central Arrernte."
The DVD was produced in collaboration with NTCS, Centrelink Indigenous Services Branch, Centrelink Multicultural Services Branch, and the Aboriginal Interpreter Service in Darwin.
NT Correctional Services Director of Operations, Philip Brown said the signing of the agreement and launch of the DVD were positive steps forward in assisting prisoners with reintegration into society.
"Together they will allow for a full service to be delivered at the correctional facility aimed at supporting successful reintegration and return to community," Mr Brown said.
The DVD will also be used as a model for interstate correctional facilities.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.