Known as Dogs for Diggers, the program takes dogs that have been abandoned – and are often destined for death row – and puts them in the care of inmates who look after them and train them back to full health and obedience.

Once the dogs are ready, they are given to injured soldiers to help them with their rehabilitation.

GALLERY: Dogs for Diggers graduation

The jail inmates say the dogs that have come into their lives have given them a sense of purpose and a new outlook on life. 

All eight who are currently participating in the program say it has had as much of an impact on them as it has on the dogs.

Dwayne trained Goose, a two-year-old Border Collie x Kelpie who was one of the first graduates of the program. When Goose went to his new owner, Australian Army private Nick Brooke, Dwayne began training a young boxer-cross named Buddy. 

“When I signed up for the program I thought I would just be caring for a dog. I didn’t realise how much of an impact it would have,” Dwayne said.

“When Goose first arrived he had been mistreated and was quite timid. Over time he became a different dog. When he left, he had so much confidence.”

The dogs spend 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the inmates, who work hard to gain their confidence and trust. Most dogs spend six months with their trainer before they are paired up with a Digger.

The program came about because of a partnership between Bathurst Correctional Centre and the non-profit veteran group called ‘Young Diggers’, who provide support for returned service personnel. It was pioneered by Bathurst Correctional Centre general manager Bill Fittler and has succeeded because of hard work from project manager Louise Kelly.

Yesterday was the first official graduation and four dogs were handed over to their new owners, while three other Diggers, including Nick, had already received their assistance dogs.

Nick and his wife Prue said Goose has become and important part of their lives in the six weeks he has been with them.

“He’s doing remarkable things for us,” Prue said.

“He provides a distraction. Nick suffers from agorophobia, so having Goose by his side has helped when he leaves the house. Goose goes to all medical appointments and he is a wonderful companion. We are extremely grateful for the program. Bill and Louise have done a great job and so have the trainers. The impact these dogs have on inmates is fantastic and anyone who could see how much Goose helps us would be amazed.

“I think they should do this program in all correctional facilities.”

Dwayne said it is hard to see the dogs go, but he knows just how much of a difference it makes to the lives of Diggers. He is proud to be involved with the program.

“I have another two years in here and I am delighted to be a part of this program. I will keep doing it while I am here,” he said.