EVERY morning 300 inmates from across Bathurst Correctional Centre front up for work within one of the jail's seven industries.
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Anthony Tait, from Corrective Services Industries (CSI) said inmates nominate themselves to work, with a typical day starting early, around 7.30am.
An average shift is six hours, and working inmates get paid, but the amount varies on their role within each organisation
"Wages start at $40 a week for most staff, a senior leading hand will get double, about $80 a week," he said.
Mr Tait said working inmates are allowed to spend their wages as they choose, either within the prison buy up system buying treats like food. Others chose to save their money for their release, while others send it to support their family on the outside.
Mr Tait said the program assists in the rehabilitation of inmates, and gives them employment opportunity upon their release.
"We want to see positive outcomes for all our inmates," he said.
In laundry services, a staff of 30 wash linen, blankets and clothing for Bathurst jail and two other centres.
In all they are responsible for ensuring 1500 inmates get their clothes and linen.
Mr Tait said the laundry unit worked like "a well oiled machine."