8 October
Offenders sentenced to Community Work have been working at the Foxton Beach Bowling Club to prepare the grounds for this year’s lawn bowling season.
Community Work sentences require offenders to do unpaid work in the community for non-profit organisations as reparation for their offending.
Since July, the offenders have assisted the club’s ground keeper by completing a range of general maintenance jobs. These jobs have included scraping and painting the exterior of the club rooms and shelters, cleaning the grounds, mowing the lawns and gardening around the perimeter of the site.
Probation Officer Lindsay Walker says it's not just the local community that’s benefiting from the work done by the offenders sentenced to Community Work.
“The crews worked really hard on this project. They take pride in their work and get a real sense of satisfaction from knowing their efforts are being appreciated. It’s also a great way for them to learn some new skills that could potentially help them find future employment.”
Foxton Beach Bowling Club Senior Vice President Roger Fowler says he’s been thrilled with the efforts put in by the Community Work offenders.
“The Community Workers supplied by Corrections have been a huge bonus for us this year. It’s great to have the offenders here to take care of all the physical work needed at the club as many of our members are advanced in age and would prefer not to engage in heavy labour.”
“They’ve worked hard and have really transformed the place in time for the new bowling season. On behalf of everyone here at the bowling club I'd like to commend the work crew for their great efforts.”
New Zealand communities benefit from almost three million hours of labour supplied through Community Work sentences every year.
ENDS
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