Inmates mark 'Gravy Day' with prison cooking recipe

Inmates inside a New South Wales correctional facility have shown prisoners how to make a traditional Christmas treat on the increasingly recognised "Gravy Day".

The cooking show, filmed and edited inside the Macquarie Correctional Centre, is played throughout the jail for other inmates and teaches prisoners valuable skills that they can use once they have served their time.

In one special episode, inmates Tareek and Andy show inmates how they can cook gravy using the food available to them inside the jail.

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The idea for a gravy-focused episode came from Paul Kelly's Christmas song How to Make Gravy, which dubbed December 21 as "Gravy Day".

Governor Brett Lees said the initiative brings inmates together when they are at their most vulnerable.

"As Paul Kelly captured in his iconic song, Christmas is a particularly difficult time for people in custody and being absent from family gatherings really takes a toll on their mental health and wellbeing," Lees said.

"This cooking show not only encourages inmates to participate in the festive season, but the skills learned through the process provide them with greater employment options and an opportunity to make real 'gravy' upon their release and support their families."

The show, which airs on Mac Tv, has focused on a few festive foods this holiday season, including a trifle, gingerbread men and even roast beef.

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Inmate Isaac, who frequents the show, said participating in the cooking series has helped inmates who were struggling in prison.

"It's not pleasant for any inmate to be in custody at this time of the year, so we keep busy with writing letters to family and participating in programs" he said.

"I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to participate in programs like this while in custody, to further rehabilitate and use my time productively."

Inmates are eligible to participate if they have demonstrated good behaviour.

Corrective Services NSW Deputy Commissioner Anne-Marie Martin said the cooking show is a step in the right direction, as Corrective Services NSW try to push inmates towards rehabilitation instead of reoffending.

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"We're focused on providing people with education, skills and employment opportunities in custody because they're key factors to helping turn peoples' lives around," Martin said.

"Our ultimate goal is to rehabilitate as many people as possible, so they're not isolated from their loved ones at Christmas or anytime."

Kelly's song How to Make Gravy features an incarcerated man, Joe, who shares his gravy recipe with his brother, who will have to take over the gravy-making duties on Christmas, as Joe remains in jail.