How to request a work and development order

Work and development orders (WDO) are made by SDRO to allow eligible clients to reduce their fines through unpaid work with an approved organisation and through certain courses or treatment. You are an eligible client if you:

• have a mental illness, intellectual disability or cognitive impairment

• are homeless

• have a serious addiction to drugs, alcohol or volatile substances

• are experiencing financial hardship to satisfy their fines through unpaid work with an approved organisation or through certain courses or treatment.

For information about WDOs and the activities you can do, download the Work and development order factsheet (PDF)

To apply for a WDO you need to find an approved sponsor organisation or health practitioner to support your WDO activity. Your sponsor can lodge your application online.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria and are applying under exceptional circumstances, you need to fill out a written Work and development order - exceptional circumstances application (PDF).

Your sponsor will help you through the application process.

For all enquiries related to WDO client applications and related reporting please contact SDRO on 1300 478 879 (Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm) or email wdosdro@osr.nsw.gov.au.