What’s Happening?
Queensland Corrective Services has celebrated 30 years of partnership with Mackay-based Binga Birry Justice Group.
The group provides cultural support for First Nations prisoners through regular Elder visits to Capricornia Correctional Centre and Townsville Correctional Complex.
Over three decades, Binga Birry Justice Group has helped prisoners stay connected to culture, community and guidance.
Its work supports First Nations prisoners to make lasting changes during their custodial sentence. It also helps them prepare to return as contributing members of their communities.
Queensland Corrective Services said the partnership strengthens culturally appropriate reform across the prison system. The agency said this work helps First Nations prisoners avoid reoffending, which can lead to fewer victims of crime.
Why It Matters
Cultural connection can play a major role in rehabilitation, especially for First Nations prisoners separated from family and community.
The Binga Birry Justice Group’s work brings Elders into correctional centres, creating space for guidance, support and cultural identity.
Queensland Corrective Services also thanked Binga Birry Justice Group and other Elder groups for their ongoing commitment.
Their work helps Cultural Liaison Officers and Cultural Development Officers build cultural capability across the agency.
That matters because First Nations people remain overrepresented in custody. Stronger cultural support can help improve reintegration and restore community safety.
By the Numbers
- The group facilitates monthly Elder visits, giving First Nations prisoners regular cultural support while in custody.
- Binga Birry Justice Group visits two correctional centres, Capricornia Correctional Centre and Townsville Correctional Complex.
- The group has travelled an estimated half a million kilometres between Mackay, Rockhampton and Townsville over the decades.
Local Impact
This is a long-running local contribution with a statewide reach. Binga Birry Justice Group is based in Mackay, but its work extends to prisons in Rockhampton and Townsville.
Its Elders have spent decades travelling across regions to support First Nations prisoners. That commitment helps keep cultural connections strong, even when people are far from home.
The visits also support families and communities by helping prisoners prepare for life after custody.
Zoom In
The partnership centres on practical, culturally informed support.
Binga Birry Elders visit prisoners, share guidance and help strengthen links to community. These visits encourage personal change and help prisoners think about their role after release.
Queensland Corrective Services said the work supports its delivery of culturally appropriate reform. It also helps the agency strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and Elders.
These partnerships are part of a wider effort across Queensland correctional centres.
Zoom Out
Across Queensland, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and Elders work with correctional centres to build meaningful community partnerships.
Those partnerships help create practical solutions for First Nations prisoners preparing to return home.
The goal is successful reintegration, stronger community links and improved safety for the wider community.
Binga Birry Justice Group’s 30-year partnership shows how local knowledge and cultural leadership can support long-term change.
What To Look For Next?
The partnership is expected to continue through regular Elder visits and ongoing support for Cultural Liaison Officers and Cultural Development Officers.
Queensland Corrective Services will likely keep working with Elder groups to strengthen culturally informed programs across correctional centres.
