PRISONERS at eight of Queensland’s correctional centres have volunteer drivers like Deacon Russ Nelson to thank for regular contacts with their families.
Deacon Nelson is part of the Brisbane-based Prison Transport Group, managed by Josephite Sister Anne McGuire, which transports more than 300 people a week to see their loved ones serving jail sentences.
However, unless more volunteer drivers can be found the ministry is at risk of having to cut back its services.
There are currently 10 drivers but many of these will have to soon stop driving due to their age.
Organisers say volunteering even once a month will be a great help.
For the past 25 years Deacon Nelson has transported families of prisoners to correctional centres at Woodford, Wacol, Borallon and Palin Creek.
He said such visits gave prisoners a greater chance of integrating back into society once they were released.
“The visits enable them to keep in touch with the life of mainstream society,” he said.
“Research has shown this increases the probability of the guys becoming ‘normal’ citizens on their release.
“So such visits are not only important for prisoners and their families but for society itself.”
Deacon Nelson, who became a volunteer after responding to a notice in a parish newsletter, also believes that he gets “as much or more” out of doing the work as those he helps.
“I get so much from seeing the loyalty and the love of the women, the parents, the grandparents of the prisoners,” he said. “I particularly admire the women.
“Their men folk have done something wrong, something stupid.
“But the women are serving time too.
“They have to try and get their men positive to help them make good when they come out.”
He agrees that many may see him as helping those who are undeserving.
“However, I always remember the Gospel story of the prodigal son and how the father was always willing to help him even after the son had acted so stupidly,” he said.
Deacon Nelson said a typical day would start at the Roma Street Transit Centre in Brisbane about 10am.
“The mini bus can fit around 10 people,” he said.
“Typically there can be up to seven women, maybe a couple of children and a man – often a brother, father or grandfather of one of the prisoners.
“These days I drive to Borallan, drop the families and friends off at the gate and head back to Fernvale for lunch.
“I also usually get my homily for Sunday ready and then around 3pm I return to collect the visitors from the centre.”
Intending volunteers receive information on rights and responsibilities that come with involvement in the prison system. To volunteer or for more information contact Sr McGuire on 1800 334 379.
