- Recruits have completed rigorous 10-week Custodial Correctional Officer training for Queensland's newest correctional centre
- Officers deployed to other centres until new correctional centre opens
- More than 800 roles needed to run Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre, including psychologists, case managers, allied health professionals, education officers and administration staff
Two groups of Custodial Correctional Officers for the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre graduated today (Thursday 4 April) in front of family and friends at the Gatton Shire Hall.
After completing the rigorous 10-week paid training program, the 39 new officers will be deployed to the front line of public safety at centres throughout South East Queensland to further develop their skills until the state's newest correctional centre is commissioned later this year.
The 1536-bed centre near Gatton will be a modern, safe and fit-for-purpose facility focusing on rehabilitation to reduce reoffending. This will include mental health, drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in modern and fit-for-purpose spaces.
More than 800 roles will be available at the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre including custodial officers, case managers, psychologists, allied health professionals, education and program delivery officers as well as administration officers. Queensland Corrective Services is actively recruiting for roles for the new centre and across the state.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan was also in attendance to congratulate the new correctional officers.
Quotes attributable to Acting Deputy Commissioner Erica Gallagher, Workforce Culture, Integrity and Capability:
"Today we welcome our latest group of custodial officer graduates for the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre.
"This is a significant milestone as we build the workforce needed for Queensland's newest correctional centre and I congratulate them for their commitment to public safety.
"Corrections is challenging work at times, which is why the recruits are equipped with the highest level of training, skills and support to enable them to perform their roles safely and effectively.
"We have taken on board the latest research on corrections, to create a modern centre at the Lockyer Valley, that will provide better outcomes for everyone - our officers, the prisoners in our care and the community."
Quotes attributable to Tanya Milligan, Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor:
"Congratulations to all the new correctional officers graduating today. I wish you all the best as you start your career on the front line of public safety."
"The meaningful work you are about to embark on will not only improve public safety and the lives of prisoners, but your decision to work in the Lockyer Valley has far-reaching and tangible benefits for our community."
"The Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre is bringing a jobs bonanza to the region with hundreds of good, secure positions that will boost the local economy, and we look forward to welcoming many more of your colleagues to the region in future."
