An insight into the workings of the local jail was given during one of the regular meetings involving Bathurst regional councillors and community groups.

Mayor Gary Rush and councillors Warren Aubin, Bobby Bourke, Michael Coote, Monica Morse, Ian North and Greg Westman met with correctional centre chief Bill Fittler, who provided them with an update on the operations of the gaol, including the fact it has an annual budget of $26 million.

Topics discussed during the meeting included structural changes in the Department of Corrective Services over the past 12 months.

Mr Fittler noted there were currently 659 male and female inmates at the gaol, which also caters for remand prisoners. This results in a large turnover of inmates, about 13,000 last year.

There are 188 minimum security (end-of-term) prisoners attending rehabilitation programs and undertaking community service.

Other items noted by Mr Fittler during the meeting with councillors included the fact there was a new women’s facility and security room constructed last year.

The jail’s food service department produced 13,000 meals, which were distributed through the corrections system.

Inmates are involved in technology and textile units, making hospital gowns.

They also work with the local Family History Group and other community services at the cemetery where they are restoring headstones.

Drug and alcohol training is also conducted as is the “Dogs for Diggers” program – training dogs for returned serviceman.

There are currently eight dogs involved in the program.