Prison painters flex artistic muscles

The therapeutic benefits of art have been long known, so it is no wonder that when given the chance to flex their artistic muscles, a group of South Australian prisoners were keen to do so. 

The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) recently received artwork created as part of a competition between prisoners at the Yatala Labour Prison (YLP). Derek Kay, an Activities Officer at YLP and volunteer with CFS Salisbury Brigade, facilitated the art classes as part of a learning program he was operating. Derek’s involvement with the CFS inspired his choice of topics – firefighting in bushfire landscapes – and it was a subject his class took up with inspired enthusiasm. 

They were particularly keen when they learnt the resultant art pieces would be presented to the CFS. “They created something to go on display at an outside organisation and the self-satisfaction they have gained from doing something like that goes a long way,” Mr Kay said. “Completing these art pieces has been very rewarding for them and they were very passionate about what they were doing.” 

The program was so successful, Derek is planning on it being held annually and expanded to each of the state’s prisons. 

Derek, who responded to the recent Wilmington fire in southern Flinders Ranges, is just one of many corrections officers who volunteers in the CFS and he said YLP management are very supportive of staff attending callouts and deployments at short notice. 

CFS also has a brigade at the low security prison farm, Cadell Training Centre, located in the South Australian Riverland. 

Giving back to the community 

The Yatala prisoner who was part of a duo that created the winning artwork said he enjoyed the challenge of creating the art and was thrilled with the final product.
“The CFS do so much for the community,” he said. “I’ve seen a fire in the hills and the damage it does, so I know how important it is. The work the volunteers do is fantastic.” 

“The competition was an opportunity for us to give back to the community. We feel a sense of achievement by receiving appreciation from such a respected group such as the CFS.” 

 

Displayed at headquarters 

The CFS attended a handover event at YLP to receive the winning piece, which features CFS logos, along with a depiction of a firescape. The piece also highlights the CFS’ establishment date as it heads towards the 50th anniversary of the government passing the Country Fires Act in 1976. 

Other pieces featured a landscape highlighting the environmental desolation caused by fire, a futuristic fire truck and a reminder of the volunteer ethos of CFS members.  These additional pieces will be donated to nearby local brigades, such as Salisbury, Athelstone and Tea Tree Gully. 

“The work that our volunteers do within our community is integral to the state’s well-being, and it is warming to see that all members of the South Australian community have an appreciation of the work that our volunteers do,” Acting Director Community Risk and Resilience Phil McDonough said. “The prisoners have done a wonderful job of representing what our service means to the community.”