Drought-stricken graziers in the southern NSW area of Cooma have had their pressure relieved to some extent by the staff and inmates of the Cooma Correctional Centre who have adopted their orphaned lambs to feed and water until they’re healthy enough to return to the land.
Overseer at the Correctional Centre, Julia Gilroy initiated the program which had so far taken on 15 lambs and was expanding the program to accommodate more.
“As an experienced farmer, I am well aware of the difficulties faced by local graziers raising lambs in drought conditions,” Ms Gilroy said.
“These lambs have been orphaned because their mothers have either died or are unable to feed them – so by housing, feeding and caring for them, we’re taking some of the pressure off our graziers.”
She said the Corrective Services NSW facility partnered with local businesses Agriwest Cooma Rural and Dalgety Show Society, which have donated food, bottles, blankets and supplies.
She said the RSPCA, Snowy Mountains Wildlife Rescue and local vets also offered their support.
Manager of Security for Cooma Correctional Centre, Brian Gurney said staff and inmates had been busy building additional pens for the lambs, which are only one or two days old when they arrive at the centre.
“Farmers who have dropped lambs off have been very grateful for the help and really positive about the set-up we have and the care their lambs are receiving,” Mr Gurney said.
“Overseer Gilroy has done a fantastic job initiating the program, coordinating the support and teaching the inmates how to appropriately care for the animals,” he said.
“Many of these inmates come from rural backgrounds and are keen to provide drought relief in a practical way.”
Mr Gurney said the Centre was now seeking donations of blankets, powdered milk and feed to aid with the lambs’ care.
He said anyone wishing to donate or take part in the program could contact the Centre on (02) 6455 0306.
