Last Friday evening, 21 participants from around the Gundagai, Tumut, Batlow and Adelong regions stepped out of their comfort zones and got locked up behind bars at Old Gundagai Gaol for a few hours, and what a night was had.
The event saw people from all walks of life participate including members of the public, people with a lived experience of the justice system, local business leaders, teachers, mentors, people who work in youth justice and people who have family members who have been in the justice system.
Emma Peacock from Big Brothers, Big Sisters Tumut says the event is a fun way to highlight a serious message.
“It is a really amazing event that is immersive by design and that is because, although it sounds light-hearted and fun, it has a very serious message, which is to help advocate and bring understanding to the realities that face young people who might be at risk of entering the Australian youth detention system.”
“For me it was quite incredible to see. This event brought people from all different walks of life all down to the same level, and as we had discussions and experienced activities together, it was amazing to see everyone look at each other’s perspectives and join in a productive conversation,” said Emma.
The participants got quite a shock when they turned up to the Old Gundagai Gaol and volunteers began treating them as inmates, which included undergoing procedures such as getting locked up in cells, fingerprinted and photographed. Participants were also made to wear orange jumpsuits, exercise in the exercise yard, as well as participate in group activities, and listen to guest speakers throughout the evening.
“The participants gave themselves over to the event, got themselves out of their comfort zones and really took it onboard. It was such an amazing and inspiring thing to be a part of. I don’t think anyone left that event the same way they went in,” said Emma.
“We run this event with people who have experienced the justice system. Having these people share their stories is a turning point of the night.”
There are about four or five different activities for the participants to participate in throughout the evening, all designed with different outcomes. One highlight is the Privilege Walk.
“This is an amazing activity where everyone starts on the one line, and you are asked a series of questions, and participants take steps forward for each question they can answer Yes to. At the end, everybody looks around and sees where everybody is standing. It is not only amazing for people to recognise their own privilege, but also to understand that there might be people in your community who you don’t understand the journey they have been on and challenges they have had in their life,’ explained Emma.
“We also have one of our guards step in on behalf of one of our young people in the program and take steps on their behalf and then share their story.”
“This particular activity highlights how and why young people might find themselves at risk of going to jail or starting anti-social behaviour, and when you look back on the things that have come up in their lives, they are naturally at a disadvantage to others,” explained Emma.
The goal of this year’s event was to raise $21,000, and they far exceeded the goal by raising $26,000.
“The money all stays within the local program to support more screening and training of mentors to match with our young people on our waiting list, which we currently have 18 young people on the list within the region,” said Emma.
“We went in hoping to hit the $21,000 and the fact that we have exceeded that is just incredible. We are so grateful to those who continue to give even when times are tough, and the cost of living is so high.”
“Together, we’re helping local young people in the Tumut, Adelong, Batlow and Gundagai areas build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of belonging. Events like this show the power of lots of people, giving a little and how much that adds up.”
“And lastly a big thank you so much to every single person who helped make this event possible.”
Currently there are 3 female mentors in Gundagai waiting to be matched with a young person.
“The Bail Out speaks to one area that we care for and that is young people who are at risk of coming in to the justice system, but there are so many other reasons that someone would be referred to Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and that includes those who could do with an extra support person in their circle.”
“So, if there are any young girls in Gundagai aged 7-17 who could benefit from having a friend, now is a really good time to get in touch as I have 3 female mentors waiting,” said Emma.
Fundraising pages will remain open for a little while, so there’s still time to contribute to the cause. All donations $2+ are tax deductible.
The major event sponsor of the Bail Out is Ray White Gundagai.
Emily Flint
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