AMC bakery helping detainees build skills


Released 30/11/2018

Just over a year since the Alexander Maconochie Centre’s bakery opened, the service is proving to be a valuable hospitality training ground for detainees.

Minister for Corrections and Justice Health Shane Rattenbury said the AMC’s baking program recently extended to include male detainees, with eight men now employed in the bakery.

“Unsurprisingly, the AMC Bakery has grown organically over the past 14 months.  Under the guidance of two professional chefs, it is now producing double the baked goods it was when it opened,” Minister Rattenbury said.

“The skills detainees gain in the bakery will transfer directly back out into the community, with bakery workers given the opportunity to pursue a Certificate II (Retail Bakery Assistant) qualification.

“Employment is recognised as a critical rehabilitation tool in many of Australia’s correctional facilities, and gives detainees a real chance of securing meaningful employment post release.

“The bakery provided employment for six female detainees when it opened, and now just over a year on, it provides employment for up to 20 detainees and enough baked goods to meet the demands of the entire prison, 365 days a year – this is a spectacular achievement.

“Working to a purposeful daily routine helps address offending behaviour, and ultimately reduces recidivism by promoting pro-social interactions and equipping detainees with valuable experience and skills.”

AMC bakery’s weekly production:

  • 426 white loaves of bread
  • 396 brown/multi loaves of bread
  • 2390 rolls

In addition, the bakery produces up to 70 baked goods for the AMC coffee shop each day.

Some of the training available to detainees in the bakery includes:

  • White Card (Work Safety)
  • First Aid Certificate
  • Use Hygienic Practices in Food Safety; and
  • Provide Production Assistance for Bread Products

- Statement ends -

Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases

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