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After post-COVID setbacks, Kairos Prison Ministry Australia is surging nationwide—expanding programs, entering maximum-security prisons, and mobilising volunteers to bring hope behind bars.

After years of uncertainty following COVID-19 lockdowns that limited access to prisons nationwide, Kairos Prison Ministry Australia is now experiencing its strongest season in decades — expanding programs, opening doors in new regions, and preparing to take the transformative Gospel message into maximum-security correctional facilities across the country.

The past three years have borne significant growth for Kairos, which last year celebrated its 30th anniversary in Australia. In 2025 alone, the ministry delivered 24 Kairos programs, touching the lives of more than 334 participants through Kairos Inside, for current inmates, and Kairos Outside, for women with a loved one in prison.

Looking ahead in 2026, Kairos expects to run at least 28 programs, with further growth anticipated beyond that. With nearly 50,000 people currently imprisoned in Australia, an increase of over 10,000 in the past 10 years (source: Australian Bureau of Statistics ‘Prisoners in Australia’ data release, June 2025), the need has never been greater for a ministry that reaches this population with compassion, unconditional love and unrelenting hope.

The Kairos expansion signals renewed access, deepening partnerships with corrective services, and an increasing recognition that spiritual care matters — even, and especially, in the most challenging prison environments.

Opening Doors Where Few Can Go

One of the most significant developments for Kairos in 2026 is the possibility of expanding into maximum-security and so-called ‘supermax’ facilities. These are places where security is the tightest, prisoners are very closely guarded, and freedoms are significantly restricted. Many inmates in maximum-security units are serving life sentences for the most serious of crimes, and may never be released. They have very limited contact with the outside world.

Discussions are currently underway with several facilities to explore how Kairos Inside programs can be safely and effectively delivered. If approved, these programs would allow Kairos teams to bring the gospel into spaces where access is tightly restricted and opportunities for Christian ministry are exceedingly rare. In fact, in some of these facilities, rehabilitation programs of any sort are almost non-existent.

“Maximum security units are environments where hope can feel almost impossible,” says Colin Stiller, Chair of Kairos Prison Ministry Australia. “The people incarcerated in these facilities may never again have earthly freedom, or the chance to rebuild their lives. But in such situations, the message of the Gospel offers new identity, freedom from guilt and shame, and eternal hope in Christ.”

Strong Growth Across States

The growth of Kairos is being seen nationwide, with New South Wales leading the way. Regional NSW currently hosts over 80% of all Kairos Inside and Kairos Outside programs in Australia.

A particularly significant breakthrough has occurred on the NSW South Coast, where, after more than 10 years of prayer, doors have opened to deliver Kairos programs at the South Coast Correctional Facility in Nowra. Two programs are planned for 2026, with four expected in 2027. At the same time, opportunities are being explored to introduce programs in Bathurst and Wellington, as well as to expand the number of programs in existing facilities across country NSW.

In Queensland, Kairos is preparing for growth on multiple fronts. Plans are underway to run Kairos Inside programs in at least one new facility, alongside three Kairos Outside programs to support women impacted by incarceration. Further opportunities are also emerging in South Australia, where new facilities are being explored, and in Western Australia, where teams will be conducting two Kairos Outside programs in Perth in 2026.

Volunteers at the Heart

Kairos’ growth is made possible almost entirely through Christian volunteers giving of their time and energy to plan, prepare and run programs. As programs expand, the need for trained volunteers is increasing sharply, particularly in regional areas. For example, to sustain its expansion, Kairos is seeking to double its volunteer base in Queensland, particularly to serve Southern Queensland, North Queensland, and the Wide Bay-Capricorn region.

“Kairos is one of those ministries many Christians care deeply about once they hear the story, but they may not know how much growth and opportunity are happening right now,” says Kairos Chair Colin Stiller. “Getting involved gives you a front-row seat to what God is doing in the most challenging places. His Spirit is moving without any hindrance from the bars and locks!”’

Kairos invites those interested in volunteering to support the expansion of ministry to visit their website www.kairos.org.au to find out more and download the Volunteer Get Involved Pack.