21 September
Offenders sentenced to Community Work in Rangitikei are making amends for their behaviour by working with Horizons Construction and the Bulls District Community Trust to revamp the popular picnic and recreation area under the Bulls bridge.
Senior Community Work Supervisor Graham Tasker says the efforts from the work crew have really helped bring the beauty back to the spot.
“The bridge is located south of Bulls on state highway one and has been a popular spot for local residents and travellers to relax and enjoy riverside walks, fishing, swimming and picnicking. However, the area had become overgrown and required a makeover to prepare it for summer.
“Since November 2008 two groups of ten offenders have been hard at work each week pruning trees, weeding, removing rubbish and cleaning out all the obstructive vegetation which had become overgrown and neglected.
“It’s really great to see them give something back to the community by getting stuck right into making the place attractive for all to enjoy. They have turned an overgrown waste area and rubbish dumping ground back into an area that when completed will once again become a great place to visit."
Bulls and District Community Trust Coordinator Bronwyn Meads says local residents and the council are grateful for all the hard work put in by the offenders sentenced to community work.
“The work provided by the offenders on Community Work has been extremely beneficial to the development of this area. The workers have really helped transform the site by making it attractive and safe for public use. You can always tell when the work groups have been there as the improvements are so noticeable”.
Each year, New Zealand communities benefit from almost three million hours of labor supplied through Community Work sentences.
Community Work sentences require offenders to do unpaid work in the community for non-profit organisations as reparation for their offending. This can also provide offenders with life and social skills and can help them to develop a work ethic that could help them gain employment in the future.
ENDS
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
Phone: (04) 460 3365
Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz
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