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Wooroloo Prison Farm’s Gardens and Grounds Instructor, Jane, says the thought of working in prison never crossed her mind.

The Vocational Support Officer (VSO) had worked in landscaping, grounds keeping and gardening for private business or Shire parks and gardens.

The suggestion for the career change came from Jane’s daughter, who works as a Prison Officer at another facility.

“She spotted the job and said mum this would be great for you, so here I am,” Jane said. “I had no idea what I was coming into but once I was here, I loved it, we have a great grounds crew.”

And, with the help of prisoners, there’s a lot of those grounds to cover, including maintenance of Wooroloo’s manicured gardens, lawns, flowerbeds, natural bush, nursery, and pathways.

But it isn’t only the grounds Jane and other VSOs look after, also sharing their knowledge and experience with the men in care to help cultivate a better future and earn certificates in horticulture.

“We just enjoy the work and teach them as much as we can,” she said. “A lot of men who’ve left here have gone out to work for landscape gardeners, it’s very rewarding.”

Jane says her role at the prison also provides some of the best work/life balance of her career – able to switch off when she leaves for the day, to return revitalised for her next shift.

“Which I think is important because we bring that positivity when we come back in,” she said. “I love it, I really enjoy it – if you didn’t enjoy it, you wouldn’t be here.

She says it’s that attitude that’s at the heart of being a VSO.

“If you can help someone, then it’s great,” she said. “Even if you only help one person then you’ve made a difference.”