Prison mural divides

Reader opinion is sharply divided on a new art project that has had taxpayer-funded murals painted inside Lara’s new $100 million Karreenga Corrections Facility.

Wow, for once, I’m speechless! As if there are not enough places that need beautifying out in our local communities, but nup, a jail seems to be acceptable to spruce up using our taxpayer dollars. Gee, that adds up, doesn't it? Kelly Clay Forward

Well, art is supposed to make you think . . . Kyle Brotheridge

Being an artist, I am not going to besmirch the good work of the folks working on the murals; it looks great but also a little bland. But then, it’s still early days. But how about something innovative and fitting? Something like the entire sheet of Jailhouse Rock written across two walls? Gary

Surely $100 million could be better spent on the dilapidated schools and community areas in the region? Brent Wright

Wow, they really need that. That will make good citizens out of them. Ruth Cervenka

Taxpayers’ money being wasted on useless projects. It’s supposed to be a prison, not a hotel or tourist attraction. The Other Guy

Corrections Victoria should be applauded for trying to do something positive for people re-entering mainstream society with the aim to not reoffend. Rob

Yep, murals will make them think twice about reoffending and completely rehabilitate them. Bill

Anything that helps make them more likely to behave has to be of some value. And the vis- itors’ area (where this mural is) is about helping families maintain connection. This includes the kids that these prisoners are about to move back in with, or have access rights to. It is about ensuring that the prisoners are going to be able to function.

Yes, it cost a huge amount of money to do all of this. But the alternative — longer sentences — costs more.

I would suggest that this artwork makes a significantly greater contribution to our community than the artwork hanging on various government ministers’ office walls that we also paid huge amounts for. Paul