27 Jan 2016 Cobram Courier, Cobram VIC (General News) Three exceptional partnerships between Cobram organisations and Corrections Victoria have been recognised as part of the Community Work Partnership Award. Scott Reserve was recognised as part of the Work Team Award, Cobram Racecourse and Recreation Reserve for the Outstanding Contribution Site award, and Cobram Community House supervisor Jean Campbell was recognised for the Outstanding Contribution Supervisor award. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes congratulated 25 organisations within the Hume region for their dedication and contribution towards Corrections Victorias Community Work Program, announced in Benalla last Monday. Ms Symes said there were seven award categories, including the Therapeutic Programs Award, which recognises partnerships that promote healthy lifestyles, and provides prisoners and their families with emotional support. Ms Symes said the Outstanding Contribution Award recognised six supervisors who provided exceptional guidance, training and support to offenders. In 2014-15, the Hume region community work program contributed more than $1.6 million and 54 000 hours of unpaid work to not-for-profit organisations across northern Victoria, Ms Symes said. Community work means prisoners and offenders on community work orders are able to give something back to the community whilst building their skills and preparing to reconnect and reintegrate back into society. The community work programs include land management, restoration works, helping the Country Fire Authority with fuel reduction, as well as environmental initiatives such as tree planting and helping with recovery works following natural disasters. Community work experience can improve offenders chances of employment, which in turn helps reduce re-offending. I congratulate all of Corrections Victorias Community Work Program partners for the significant contribution they make to our local community, Ms Symes said. These awards recognise the work and commitment of organisations in helping prisoners and offenders give back to the community while learning skills that can be used to gain employment. It is important to acknowledge this important collaboration between community organisations and members, and prisoners and offenders. Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au)