Crafts, games, a band performance, cherished time with Dad and even an Easter Hat Parade! This Child & Parent Day at Macquarie Correctional Centre did not disappoint. 

Excited children spent the extended visit trying to squeeze in every activity and make special memories with their Dad. 

When families took a break from activities, there were plenty of snacks on offer, from sushi to sliders! 

There was even a birthday cake for a little two-year-old girl who was overjoyed to share this moment with her Dad, whom she doesn’t get to see very often. 

The Easter Bunny got wind of how much fun the day was and dropped by to hand out chocolate eggs to the (by this point, buzzing!) group of children as their dads watched on, smiling that they could be part of something like this with their children.  

A highlight was that the children were able to take photos into the centre and show their dads what they’d been up to, sparking lots of great conversations and shared joy. 

“These are the best days. To see the children’s faces as they face paint their Dad, the confidence in their relationship with their Dads, seeing these relationships evolve over a number of years of holding these days,” said our team.

Child & Parent Days are invaluable to our families, especially when a parent is in custody a long distance away, as is often the case with many of the dads at Maquarie Correctional Centre.

They allow children enough time to relax, bond and form a closer relationship with their parent.

While it’s always sad when it’s time to go, the children have a sense of togetherness and well-being they didn’t have before, gained from knowing that even though Dad isn’t home, he’s still a part of their lives. 

These days don’t just happen; it takes a whole team effort. Our staff member said, “This was a great collaboration from people in custody, SAPOS, office staff and correctional officers, all joined resources and made for a beautiful day.”

GALLERY