Cadell Training Centre secures more than $3 million for new dairy farm
Inmates at an SA jail already supply milk and cream to some well-known Adelaide businesses – and there are plans to expand.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A low-security prison in the Riverland, home to murderers and armed robbers on the road to redemption, has secured more than $3 million to overhaul its dairy farm.
At the Cadell Training Centre, on the banks of the Murray River, about 25 inmates are gainfully employed to produce the milk that is supplied to most SA prisons.
The State Government has committed more than $3 million towards building a new dairy complex at the farm, which is expected to create several regional construction jobs.
The priority for the prison is to recondition existing equipment and purchase a new packaging machine before a tender process is launched for construction on a whole new complex.
Once complete, 15 more prisoners would be employed on the farm, with hopes of supplying milk and even ice cream to every single prison in the state, including at Mount Gambier and Port Lincoln.
Corrections Minister Vincent Tarzia said the new investment would provide “greater opportunity” for prisoners dedicated to rehabilitation.
First built in the 1960s, the current dairy farm has about 100 cows producing more than 2000 litres of raw milk every day.
The prison already sells cream to Adelaide Hills based cheese company Udder Delights and milk to La Casa Del Formaggio in Adelaide – but general manager Michael Dent believes they could branch out after the farm is upgraded.
“We want to deal with those two customers to start with that we’ve already got, (but) there’s potential to increase that,” he said.
The Cadell Training Centre, on a 1600ha plot of land with rolling fruit orchards, is home to about 200 prisoners who have demonstrated good behaviour. Most are towards the end of their sentences and some are even beyond their non-parole periods.
Prisoners are expected to complete vocational training and have opportunities to work in various areas at the prison to get them ready for release.
“It’s about giving them that routine each day, it’s about them developing skills and being able to instil trust in individuals and hopefully they develop skills that are transferable into the community,” Mr Dent said.
The Department of Correctional Services’ annual programs budget will support construction of the new complex, which is expected to start in 2022/23.
Both local MP Tim Whetstone and Mr Tarzia said it would create new jobs and be an “economic boost” for the Riverland.
“This is about rehabilitation and education with the aim to reduce reoffending, so investment into our region like this creates substantial community benefit,” Mr Whetstone said.