The artworks were developed in partnership with Blacktown City Council as part of its annual Knit Bomb Project, which uses eye-catching props to say “no” to family and domestic violence.
This is the fourth-year inmates have created sculptures for the initiative. Previously they have contributed a giant metal tea pot and two cups and saucers to symbolise having a cuppa to start a conversation, a tiny home made from timber to represent a safe house, and a family made from metal.
This year the inmates were asked to make native animals to serve as a visual talking point.
Correctional officers supervised eight inmates who work in the prison’s metal shop to design and create a kangaroo, a koala in a tree, a goanna on a rock, an emu and a kookaburra on a log. The native animals were constructed using metal tubing and wire netting to enable the sculptures to be “knit bombed”.
The knitted or crocheted squares that cover the sculptures were made by the talented members of the Blacktown Library Knitting Group, overseen by Blacktown City Council’s Women’s Advisory Committee.
Governor Wayne Taylor said staff and inmates were proud to continue the tradition of contributing works of art to this important community partnership and social awareness campaign.
“We have been involved in several projects with Blacktown City Council over the years. These include donating wooden toys and Indigenous artwork made by inmates to council-run childcare centres,” Mr Taylor said.
“People have been amazed by the quality work produced by our inmates, especially the giant tea pot and teacups that make an appearance at this event every year. These sculptures act as visual prompts to talk about domestic violence, while providing meaningful work for our inmates.
“We value our partnerships with Blacktown City Council and these projects offer practical ways to provide valuable education and skills to inmates and assist in their rehabilitation.
“Our officers who train the inmates in the cabinet shop and metal shop have produced impressive and professional designs each year, which provides inmates with an opportunity to give back to the community, and they should all feel very proud.”
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said he was proud of the partnership Blacktown City Council had with Parklea Correctional Centre and the annual Knit Bomb project it helps deliver.
“Our community’s strength lies in how we care for one another and how we help each other,” Mayor Bunting said.
“I thank the inmates of Parklea for their hard work and talent in creating these remarkable pieces that spark conversation and inspire action.”
The sculptures will be on display at the Village Green, next to Blacktown City Council Chambers, until Friday, December 13. Other items, such as trees, light poles, posts, and benches around the area, have also been “knit bombed” to mark 16 days of activism against violence in November.
