14 new prison officers to start work at Maryborough Correctional Centre

Fourteen new custodial officers are set to start work at a Queensland prison after celebrating their graduation at a ceremony this week.

The 14 new graduates will be posted to Maryborough Correctional Centre in coming days.

Fourteen new correctional services officers will be posted to Maryborough prison in coming days after graduating at a ceremony at the Brolga Theatre on Friday.

Joined by family and friends, the new officers were recognised for their achievement after completing a paid 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program.

The 14 new graduates will be posted to Maryborough Correctional Centre in coming days.

Seven experienced officers were also recognised with the prestigious National Medal and Long Service and Good Conduct Medals during the ceremony.

Representing Minister for Police and Corrective Services, Mark Ryan, Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders attended the ceremony to congratulate the new graduates.

“Congratulations to our new graduates and experienced officers for upholding public safety and ensuring prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime,” Mr Saunders said.

“From supporting the community to get ready for natural disasters or equipping prisoners with vital life and employable skills, the work Queensland Corrective Services does is an essential part of our criminal justice system, delivering innovative, effective, evidence-based correctional services, which contribute to a safer Queensland.”

Central and Northern Region Command, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart McHaffie said corrections was challenging work, but officers were equipped with the highest level of training, skills, and support to enable them to perform their roles safely and effectively.

“Every interaction, whether it’s finding contraband or helping to educate prisoners, is an opportunity to address offending behaviour and to improve the vocational and life skills of prisoners, assisting in their rehabilitation and reintegration back into the community,” he said.