- Recruits have completed rigorous 10-week Custodial Correctional Officer training for Queensland's newest correctional centre
- Officers equipped with highest level of training to join the front line of public safety
- The 1536-bed Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre will focus on rehabilitation to reduce reoffending
A major milestone has been reached for the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre as its first group of Custodial Correctional Officers graduated today (Thursday 21 December) in front of family and friends.
After completing the rigorous 10-week paid training program, the 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 in 2024.
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 workers and administration officers. Queensland Corrective Services is actively recruiting for roles for the new centre and across the state.
Representing the Honourable Nikki Boyd MP, Minister for Corrective Services, Jennifer Howard MP, Assistant Minister for Treasury, Trade and Investment and Member for Ipswich, attended the ceremony to congratulate the new graduates.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan was also in attendance to congratulate the new correctional officers.
Quotes attributable to Jennifer Howard MP, Assistant Minister for Treasury, Trade and Investment and Member for Ipswich:
"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.
"Your work to uphold public safety and ensure prisoners are less likely to return to crime is a vital service which contributes to a safer Queensland.
"As the first group of officers selected to work at the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre you are part of a jobs bonanza where hundreds of good, secure positions will boost the Lockyer Valley and surrounding regions and their local economies."
Quotes attributable to Paul Stewart APM, QCS Commissioner:
"Today we recognise the first group of correctional officer graduates selected for the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre and welcome them to Queensland Corrective Services.
"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 thinking on corrections to create a modern centre at 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 the first round of trained custodial officers for Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre.
"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.
"With more than 800 roles on offer, we look forward to welcoming many more of your colleagues to the region in the coming months."
