Prisoners learn to sew, build swags for homeless at Beechworth jail
Prisoners at Beechworth Correctional Centre are learning to sew swags for homeless people through the Ruffy Swags program.
Harley Williams arrived at Beechworth Correctional Centre with no sewing skill. The Ruffy Swags program taught him to make swags for homeless people.
The program started in 2024 and teaches prisoners at the low-security jail to use industrial sewing machines. Fashion designer Rebecca O'Brien volunteers as a mentor.
She calls Friday visits her favorite day of the fortnight. Prisoners from different backgrounds work together and learn a trade for after release.
Williams said the program gave him purpose and made his final years inside pass faster. The Carevan Foundation and Uniting Care Wodonga run the program.
They need $30,000 to sustain it for a full year and produce about 120 swags.
- 2024
- Program start
- Fridays
- Mentorship frequency
- $30,000
- Annual funding needed
- About 120 per year
- Target swag production
Why it mattersThe program shows how prison work teaches real skills and helps both prisoners and homeless people.
AustraliaBeechworth inmates gain employment-ready skills in a growing field, while Victoria's homeless have a direct source of essential bedding made by people building their own futures.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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