City of Darwin and the Northern Territory Government have launched a five-year prisoner work program to assist with litter collection, debris removal, and routine grounds and drain maintenance across Darwin.

City of Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the program will help to keep the city clean and green, while also providing prisoners with the opportunity to learn new skills and give back to the community.

“It’s great we will have help from the Corrections Clean Up Crews after Territory Day celebrations, this will ensure we can all continue to enjoy fireworks in Darwin,” Mr Vatskalis said.

The program will see low-risk, open security-rated prisoners from the Darwin Correctional Centre supporting the City of Darwin, the first of which will assist with the clean up after Territory Day.

“Prisoners selected to work on a community support program are those with a good disciplinary record, and who are suitable to be in the community under supervision. Participation in community service is a great way for prisoners to give back to the community.

“Community work programs help prisoners to develop new vocational skills and knowledge, which will benefit them when they are released from prison and reintegrate into our community,” said Northern Territory Government Chief Minister Natasha Fyles.

All prisoners involved in the program are carefully selected by NT Correctional Services, in accordance with existing program criteria.

The Northern Territory Government will supply necessary equipment and transportation, and Corrections Officers will be responsible for supervising the Clean Up Crews.

Careful consideration has been given to selecting appropriate locations for the crews, which will include beaches and foreshore areas across the city, and selected open-lined and unlined drains.

City of Darwin will work with NT Correctional Services to prioritise where the work will be carried out.