Organised by Residents Against Dapto Jail Community Group the picnic was attended by dozens of families with young children.

And many were impressed when Wollongong Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery stopped by to listen to their concerns.

Cr Bradbery said they had a voice and it was important everyone was heard.

“I am not supporting the jail in West Dapto. I believe there are other locations. I met with Neighbourhood Forum 8 the other night as well to hear their concerns,” he said.

The picnic was also a chance for the group to thank the community over a barbeque.

And for people to sign a petition opposing the jail. More than 8,500 have been received and 10,000 signatures are required.

Kelly James, of Horsley, came along with her husband and two young children to support the ‘no jail’ message.

“We are a local family. My daughter goes to the local school and we really don’t want a jail in our town. I think it is good to come out, even in the cold, and show how we feel. There are a lot of young families in the area, especially with the new housing developments. A lot of new families are coming into the area.”

Cassandra Schettino, of Shell Cove, only recently moved from Dapto but came back for the picnic to support other members of her family and friends who live in the area. She also thinks there are other locations better suited to a prison.

“I don’t think there should be a jail here because I just don’t think it is good for the community. It is a growing area and very family oriented,” she said.

Natasha Gore feels so strongly about the issue that she volunteered to help and tell people about a march planned next weekend.

“I just wanted to help out. I am collecting signatures for the petition. I am also letting people know about the consultations that Corrective Services are doing next weekend. And our Sunday march down to those consultation sessions,” she said.

“I have just bought property at Wongawilli and moved into our family home. We had done all our research. The West Dapto Masterplan has been completely ignored.”

The proposal is to build the prison on land bordered by the railway line, West Dapto Road to the north, with its southern border following Darkes and Sheaffes roads. The site is also bordered by land set to become home to hundreds of houses and some of the new village centres of West Dapto. They would include shops, businesses and a primary school.

The Residents Against Dapto Jail Community Group said up to 1500 people turned out on Sunday.

Events will continue to be held because they do not see the sense of building a prison facility in such a location.

“There’s already a plan in place that will bring 8,500 sustainable jobs by tapping into unique economic assets of the area such as our proximity to Western Sydney, Port Kembla and 20,000 new homes nearby,” a spokesperson said.

“Why wouldn’t you build it elsewhere so that you can add to these jobs rather than risk them?” “There are so many better uses for this land and there are so many better spots for a prison,” a spokesperson said.

The community picnic included a free barbeque, live entertainment, face painting and an animal farm.

Residents Against Dapto Jail Community Group is meeting at Dapto Ribbonwood Centre at 10am on Sunday, June 24 to march to the first community consultation at Dapto Plaza.

People opposed to the jail are invited to join in the march and wear red.

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