Working in the AMC cafés equips detainees with diverse, transferrable skills.
06 February 2026
In brief:
- The Alexander Maconochie Centre has two detainee-run cafés, for staff and visitors.
- Detainees can pick up valuable skills and experience working in the cafés.
- ACT Corrective Services runs a range of programs and services to support offender rehabilitation.
Detainees at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) are gaining valuable experience in hospitality.
Two detainee-run cafés have been operating at the centre since late last year.
Working in the cafés, detainees are picking up skills in:
- customer service
- food preparation
- teamwork.
Opportunities for rehabilitation
Detainees can also develop other transferable skills through their café work. These include:
- communication
- time management
- processing payments
- responsibility.
The training does not yet provide a formal accreditation. The experience, however, can help detainees find employment upon release.
This gives the best opportunity for successful reintegration into the community. It can also reduce their likelihood of reoffending.
Multiple benefits
It’s not just detainees who benefit from the cafés, though. They also improve conditions for staff and visitors to the AMC.
The Hume Café is in the visits centre. It is open during selected visitor sessions on Saturdays.
The Hume Café provides a welcoming environment for families and other visitors.
As well as coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cool drinks, it sells:
- pies and sausage rolls
- pastries, cakes, muffins, slices and cookies
- sandwiches.
These are made by detainees in the onsite AMC bakery and kitchen.
The Daily Grind is in the staff canteen. It is open to staff during limited hours on weekdays.
Because of the centre’s remote location, AMC staff lack easy access to outside eateries. The Daily Grind is therefore a welcome addition for employees.
They can collect their pre-ordered food and drink in pre-set timeslots. This ensures there is no impact on AMC operations.
ACT Corrective Services runs a range of programs and services to support offender rehabilitation.
These programs provide detainees opportunities to:
- learn new skills
- address offending behaviours
- build confidence
- give back to the community.
You can read more about these on the ACT Corrective Services website.
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