And behind the scenes there are plenty of people putting in a big effort to ensure it all runs smoothly – and it’s not just the committee. 

Six inmates from the minimum security St Heliers Correctional Centre in Muswellbrook took up the challenge to help event organisers set up stages, bunting, hessian and barriers at the Aberdeen Highland Games earlier this month.

Games president Barrie Lawn said the inmate’s efforts were ‘exemplary’.

“We have requested help from the inmates at St Heliers for the last eight years and to be honest we couldn’t do it without them. 

“They fit in so well and work like a well-oiled machine with such a great attitude and are so willing to help.

“We’d have no hope of getting the games set up and packed up without them,” Mr Lawn said.

St Heliers Correctional Centre senior overseer David Skaife said the inmates were able to assist at the games as part of their community projects program.

“Our inmates do a lot of work for the community by request.

“It’s a working jail and we are also working towards self-sufficiency so assisting the community with projects like setting up the Highland Games benefits the community as well as the inmates.

“The inmates get out of jail for the day and the organisers get the work done for little or no cost depending on the project. 

“There are a lot of skill sets within the correctional centre and training opportunities available to inmates to improve skills in a range of areas.” 

Mr Skaife said the centre was always looking for new projects.

“If you are a not for profit organisation or established community group that has a worthwhile project then by all means send us a letter of request.

“Management will assess the project, the community group supplies the materials and equipment - we supply the labour.

“We are also self-contained with our own purpose built truck and can camp away if a project requires inmates to work over a weekend for example,” Mr Skaife said.

Inmates have assisted with a range of community projects across the Upper Hunter, Cessnock and Muswellbrook Shires.