Court staff have noticed a change in those in custody. Inmates are much calmer and happier from being treated with dignity and compassion. Court staff have become so much friendlier and are grateful that the inmates are easier to manage. Staff are even offering to help and thanking the team for being there and making their job easier.

Soon after the coffee and tea began, inmates in the holding cells started to request biscuits. A big request in this environment. Again, the Lord cleared the path and Barry and Fay were allowed to provide biscuits. The Lord even provided the funds to get started – around $3000 p.a.

And the biscuits have been of great encouragement to inmates. An inmate recently asked if he could have another biscuit during morning tea. Tongue-in-cheek, a volunteer replied, “only if you don’t tell my boss!”…. the inmate smirked back, “God’s your boss!… he would be pleased…don’t worry…”

Another challenge – the current team of 4 volunteers could not take on this huge task, so Barry and Fay launched an extensive drive for volunteers. According to Barry, “we now have 18 people on our roster and are covering nearly every court day at the Downing Centre Cell Complex. Even though we still have two or three days not covered, we are currently serving in excess of 1000 cups of tea/coffee each month.”

In June this year, the new team were commissioned at St Mary’s Church, Erskineville.