What’s the Buzz: Anthony Mundine reaches out to state’s toughest criminals

For all the controversy that has followed his career, Anthony Mundine has never been in serious trouble. Now he’s mixing with the most serious offenders.

Former boxing and league champ Anthony Mundine visits prisoners at Long Bay jail.

Anthony Mundine walked into maximum security at Long Bay prison last week to meet some of Australia’s most hardened and dangerous criminals.

He wants to give them a second chance.

“In some way we’ve all made mistakes,” Mundine said.

“Some are obviously more serious than others, especially with these people in jail.

“But they can be rehabilitated. I want to put them on a different course.

“I want to inspire them to be better. To come out with some goals and some aspirations.”

Mundine was taken aback by some of their stories.

For all the controversy that has followed his career, Mundine has never touched alcohol, never done drugs, never gambled and never been in serious trouble.

Now he’s mixing with the most serious offenders.

“I told them to reflect on why they were in jail,” he said, “and how they can change their lives on the outside.

Former boxing and league champ Anthony Mundine visits prisoners at Long Bay jail.

“I told them the story of what I’ve overcome with racism and still had all the success.

“Everyone in there has a mother, a father, their own children, brothers or sisters who love them and look up to them. You can’t just write them off.

“They can come out and make something of their lives. It was a very moving experience.”

Anthony Mundine visits prisoners at Long Bay jail.

Anthony Mundine visits prisoners at Long Bay jail.

Mundine and his business partner Gosh Daher run MGM, a construction company that employs struggling youth who have been unable to find regular employment.

They were guests of the jail governor Adam Schreiber for lunch and talks with the prisoners.

The idea was to potentially give some of those they met inside a chance once they are out. To give them a new start and new hope.

“If you’re black and you’ve got a criminal record, try getting a job when you get out,” Mundine said.

Anthony Mundine visits prisoners at Long Bay jail.

“Your name is crossed out straight away.

“What hope have they got in society?

“People deserve a second chance. We will hire the inmates when they get out. We will mentor them and give them opportunities that can change their lives.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re black, white, brown or brindle as long as you’re willing to have a crack. That’s all we’re asking for.”