A pair of inmate-trained Labradors are now ready to assist war veterans as part of Bathurst Correctional Centre's Defence Community Dogs [DCD] program.
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In a graduation ceremony held on Friday, Labradors 'Brandy' and 'Mocha' were each paired up with an Australian Defence Force [ADF] veteran to assist them in dealing with post traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], anxiety and depression.
Each dog is trained over 10 months by a Bathurst Correctional Centre inmate as part of their rehabilitation while incarcerated.
Bathurst Correctional Centre governor Mark Kennedy said the DCD program has been running since 2014, and has developed into a key rehabilitation program for inmates at the facility.
"A key goal of ours is to meet the Premier's priority to reduce reoffending in NSW, and the DCD program is a fantastic opportunity for inmates to give back to others through training a pet to assist ex-servicemen and women in living with PTSD," Mr Kennedy said.
"We have the inmates and dogs regularly walk through the shopping centres, cafes and local businesses, and it's always positive to see the community engage with them and get behind the program."
"Graduation day is a very emotional affair for inmates, veterans and dogs alike, and not one inmate who has participated in the DCD program has reoffended, which highlights how seriously they commit to it."
A further 12 Labradors are in the process of completing the DCD program, and 40 dogs have graduated since the program began.
This program has changed my life; it's taught me how to be kind and patient, as well as the importance of being a role model for someone in your duty of care.
- Defence Community Dogs inmate trainer
One inmate trainer involved in the DCD program said trainers are with their dogs 24/7, with three hours of an average day dedicated to individual training.
"This program has changed my life; it's taught me how to be kind and patient, as well as the importance of being a role model for someone in your duty of care," he said.
"I intend to apply the virtues I've learned from caring for 'Scout' to my younger siblings when I complete my time."
Another inmate involved in the program said there's a prominent sense of trust and honour in being able to train and nurture a labrador for a life-changing purpose.
"All the dogs are rescue animals, and I'm proud to be 'Otis's trainer and friend," he said.
"The idea of helping a dog, a veteran and myself is a heartfelt one, and it motivates me to be a better person every day."
The ceremony was attended by state Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts and Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin.
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Sam Bolt
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
