The diamond python wrapped his long, sleek body around Senior Correctional Officer Darren Barlow and squeezed tight.
This was not a time for the faint-hearted or an escape attempt for the reptile – just another ‘media shoot’ at one of the State’s prized jewels.
The Wildlife Care Centre, based at John Morony Correctional Centre at Windsor in Sydney’s West, has received numerous plaudits from around the country and internationally for its work in assisting injured animals.
Staff at the Centre received a certificate of appreciation from the Director of Richmond College of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Western Sydney Institute, Guy Bentley, for ‘so generously sharing your time, knowledge and excellent facilities with our students and staff.’
Deputy Richmond College Director Kathryn Meyer said the staff and inmates at the Wildlife Care Centre have been assisting students enrolled in the Animal Attending Special Course, over a number of months.
“The course at the Richmond College of TAFE was established to assist a number of students who were identified as having difficulty coping with the theory content of the course due to intellectual disabilities,” Ms Meyer said.
“There are seven students in the group with a technical teacher and a support teacher. The focus is on repetition of the practical skills. The essential theory aspects, Animal Welfare and Legislation, are delivered over an extended period of time.
“After 12 months, the success of this program can be measured by examining the
development of the students. Five of the students are now engaged in voluntary work in animal facilities.
“These include Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), local government animal pounds and Riding for the Disabled. The delivery of this course has been made possible because it has been supported by the TAFE Access and Equity Unit, the dedicated professionalism of the teachers and the enthusiasm of Animal Care organisations who provide employment and work experience for our students.
“In particular, we are grateful to Graeme Phipps, part time teacher of Animal Care courses, who established access to the Animal Unit at the John Morony Correctional
centre for all our students to acquire practical competencies in the handling, feeding, housing and restraint of native birds and mammals.”
SCO Barlow said the idea for the Wildlife Care Centre was Commissioner Ron Woodham’s. He looked at the therapeutic effects on inmates working with animals and helped set up the native-fauna haven.
The Wildlife Care Centre is not a zoo as it is not licensed to exhibit animals even though it has a huge variety of birds and other creatures.
“The Centre accepts injured wildlife from the public and animal organisations. The staff and inmates then care for the animals and help restore them to health before handing them over to Wildlife Information and Rescue Services (WIRES), the Australian Wildlife Ambulance Rescue (AWARE) or the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) who return them to their natural habitats,” SCO Barlow said.
“The Centre is real partnership between the community, staff and inmates and the wildlife kingdom,” he said.
Senior Correctional Officer Darren Barlow faces a curly predicament when it comes to assisting injured wildlife.