MOUNT Gambier identity Di Ind will attempt to break out of jail as part of major fundraising event dedicated to changing the lives of young Australians.
Ms Ind will join a long list of regional identities who will be locked up the Old Mount Gambier Gaol for the Whitelion Bail Out on Friday, April 12.
While the event is theatrical and fun, the awareness generating event gives people the opportunity to step into the shoes of a young person who is disconnected or going through the youth justice system.
Participants – who will be stripped of their possessions, given prison overalls to wear, fingerprinted, photographed and subject to court proceedings – are striving to make the Mount Gambier event the best in Australia.
Ms Ind – who had a first had glimpse of the cells at the Old Mount Gambier Gaol – said she was thrilled to be part of such an important fundraiser, which would return to the Blue Lake city.
“I cannot think of a more worthy cause to raise as much money as we possibly can for Whitelion,” said Ms Ind, who will be the master of ceremonies.
“I am really looking forward to getting community support behind our event.
“The state manager of Whitelion is going to be here so we really want to make this event the best one nationally.”
Importantly, she said all money raised was for “local kids”.
“The event will be amazing and we have some pretty awesome people who have put their hands up to be locked up,” Ms Ind said.
“We have 18 people who have committed, but we want at least another 18 – we want it to be the biggest in Australia.”
Ms Ind thanked regional business operators who have donated goods and time for the event.
“Our community is just so generous – we want to maximise this opportunity and make it a real collaboration with our community,” she said.
Mel Stephenson – from the Old Mount Gambier Gaol – said she was proud to again host this important event that not only raises money, but also awareness of the issues facing many at-risk young people.
Explaining these events were held across the nation, she said she would love to see a regional town “beat everyone else” in terms of fundraising.
“We want to show regional communities can dig deep and do look after their own,” Ms Stephenson said.
“Hosting an event where all the money is staying in town and looking after our youth is really important to us.”
Whitelion is a leading community organisation building relationships and tailoring services for at-risk young people to positively change their lives.
Many of the young people that Whitelion work with have had some connection with the youth justice system and of these people, high numbers are victims of trauma, abuse and neglect, as well as being 12 times more likely than other young people to be in the child protection system.
Inmates commit to raising $1000 bail to ensure their release from prison, in the lead up to the event.
Registrations are now open for the Mount Gambier event.
For more information visit www.bailout.org.au
