Mareeba’s Lotus Glen seeks to recruit 50 prison guards

A major FNQ prison is looking to recruit 50 new prison guards and claims to offer work-life balance, training and a challenge while helping to improve the safety of the community. HOW TO APPLY

WANTING a better work-life balance and a challenging career, in 2016 Scott Brady swapped working in finance and insurance for a prison job at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre in Mareeba.

Since then, Mr Brady said he has not looked back and now as Lotus Glen announced a recruitment drive for 50 new correctional officers, he urged people to consider the career.

Mr Brady said his background gave him the opportunity to work in various roles at the Far North prison.

“In my current role we are responsible for the reception of new prisoners entering the centre, discharging offenders to bail, parole or liberty and management of prisoners’ property,” Mr Brady said.

“Our unit also looks after prisoner visits and external prisoner escorts to medical and specialist appointments.

“As a custodial correctional officer, I need to be a positive role model to the prisoner group to assist them in determining what is acceptable behaviour which will help them to correct offending behaviour.”

Mr Brady said in turn, this reduces reoffending and keeps Queensland communities safe.

“I am fortunate to work for an agency where our roster affords us time off when needed and promotes a great work life balance,” he said.

A Queensland Corrective Services spokesman said that the department is “always recruiting as part of business-as-usual practice”.

“Lotus Glen Correctional Centre employs 402 custodial correctional officers and 72 supporting staff,” he said.

“As at 9 May 2022, there were 913 prisoners Lotus Glen Correctional Centre secure site and 122 prisoners at the low security facility.”

He said there are currently no plans to expand Lotus Glen Correctional Centre.

Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, Chief Superintendent Gabrielle Payne encouraged locals to apply to join the top-tier public safety agency and make a real difference to the safety of the Far North Queensland community.

“Queensland Corrective Services’ officers work hard to improve public safety, striving to ensure prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime,” she said.

“Working at the frontline is deeply meaningful work, we transform lives, and communities, every single day.”

Lotus Glen Correctional Centre Superintendent Gabrielle Payne, said she is proud of the great work of her staff in a complex and challenging environment. Lotus Glen is now calling for applications fort 50 new correctional officer roles. Picture: Supplied.

Applicants from diverse background are encouraged to apply, Chief Superintendent Payne said.

“Our officers are highly valued, they come from a range of different backgrounds to create a strong, diverse and empowered workforce, and we equip them with the highest level of training, skills and support to perform their roles safely and effectively,” she said.

Applications are now open with visiting recruitment specialists conducting assessments and interviews in Cairns on May 30.

For information visit corrections.qld.gov.au/careers

Originally published as Mareeba’s Lotus Glen seeks to recruit 50 prison guards