New prison guards to work at Maryborough Correctional Centre

From a fitness instructor to a truck driver and strawberry farm worker, these are just some of the graduates embarking on a new career as prison guards.

Eighteen graduates from all walks of life have celebrated becoming Queensland Correctives Services officers at a special event at Maryborough’s Brolga Theatre.

From a former dental services employee to a fitness instructor, a strawberry farm worker and a truck driver, the diversity was clear among those who had chosen to pursue a new career in corrective services.

All 18 graduates will be employed at Maryborough Correctional Centre.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders and QCS Assistant Commissioner Northern and Central Region Eloise Hamlett congratulated the graduates.

“Queensland Corrective Services is an essential part of our criminal justice system, delivering innovative, effective, evidence-based correctional services which contribute to a safer Queensland,” Mr Saunders said.

“Correctional officers make public safety the priority every day, striving to ensure prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime.

“Every interaction they have 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.”

Assistant Commissioner Hamlett said the new officers were ready to take on the many challenges of working in a correctional centre after successfully completing the paid 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program.

“Our correctional officers are equipped with the highest level of training, skills and support to enable them to perform their roles safely and effectively,” Ms Hamlett said.

Shania was one of the graduates.

Luke was one of the graduates.

Murray is one of the graduates.

Liam was one of the graduates.

Shane was one of the graduates.

Rikky was one of the graduates.

Stephen is one of the graduates.

Ian graduating as a Queensland Corrective Services officer.

Taylor is one of the graduates.

Jack was one of the graduates.

Taleisha was one of the graduates.

Joanne was one of the graduates.

Carol was one of the graduates.

David was one of the graduates.

Angeline was one of the graduates.

Christopher graduating as a Queensland Corrective Services officer.

Candice graduating as a Queensland Corrective Services officer.

Alysha gradating as a Queensland Corrective Services officer.

Candice, Alysha, Carol and Shania.

Michelle Wyllie, Rebecca Davenport, Louise Hetherington and Dee-Anne Kuilboer with the awards they received at the graduation event.