Opened in May, the David Oates ACM Dairy honors the legacy of David Oates, a dedicated official who passed away in 2021 after a two-year battle with illness. 

The new $12.2 million dairy complex at the Cadell Training Centre, was built with the assistance of 18 inmates, represents a significant upgrade from the old facility, which has since been demolished. Construction of the new facility took approximately 14 months, and it began operations in January.

The dairy now houses a herd of 290 cattle, milking 110 cows daily, and producing an average of 1,800 to 1,900 litres of raw milk and 900 kilograms of cream per week.

The official opening and plaque unveiling in May was attended by Oates’ wife Joanne, their children, Correctional Services Minister Dan Cregan, and Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone.

The dairy project has engaged over 40 inmates, with 18 contributing to the construction using skills gained from their Certificate II in Pathways to Construction. Inmates have contributed 9,800 working hours to the project, and one inmate nearing the end of his sentence has been offered a welding apprenticeship.

The dairy also benefits from the support of the Fleurieu Milk Company. Around 30 prisoners work at the dairy, enjoying their roles and taking pride in their contributions. The dairy’s products are in high demand, supplying Adelaide Women’s Prison, Mobilong Prison, and Port Augusta Prison, and distributing excess raw milk to local businesses like the Barossa Cheese Company and La Casa Del Formaggio. Additionally, milk is donated to the Hutt Street Centre and the Rotary Club of Waikerie.

Working at the dairy provides inmates with valuable job skills and potential career opportunities in dairy farming, animal husbandry, and processing. Beyond the dairy, Cadell Training Centre also trains inmates in citrus and olive oil production, and they play a crucial role in community projects, including supporting the local Country Fire Service, assisting during the 2022/2023 River Murray flood, and maintaining local cemeteries.

The new Cadell Training Centre Dairy Complex will ensure the ongoing function of dairy production and will allow CTC Industries to expand thier processing capcity, product line and customer base while deliver quiality milk product across the correctional system. It will also provide a greater opportinty for inmates who are didicated to rehabilitation by offering a constructive enviroment and opportunities for personal growth as they transition through the correctional system and back into society. 

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