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New correctional officers improve community safety in Maryborough

New correctional officers improve community safety in Maryborough

  • Thirteen new Custodial Correctional Officers join the frontline of public safety
  • Two officers recognised with the National Medal
  • Eight officers recognised with the Long Service and Good Conduct Medals
  • Queensland Corrective Services offers many career paths

Queensland Corrective Services inducted 13 Custodial Correctional Officers (CCO) to the frontline of public safety today on Friday 19 May working to reduce reoffending to keep Queenslanders safe.

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

All 13 graduates will be posted to Maryborough Correctional Centre.

The ceremony also recognised two officers who received the coveted National Medal in recognition of 15 or more years of service in a frontline public safety agency and those who have dedicated more than ten years of Long Service and Good Conduct with QCS. One officer was recognised for more than 30 years of service to QCS.

There are many career paths the top tier public safety agency offers including CCOs, trade instructors, dog squad officers, psychologists, counsellors, cultural liaison officers and administrative roles, all of which play a vital role in managing and rehabilitating prisoners to keep communities safe.

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

Quotes attributable to Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders:

“Congratulations to our new graduates and experienced officers for completing the rigorous training program to uphold public safety and ensure prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Eloise Hamlett ACM, Assistant Commissioner, Central and Northern Region Command, QCS:

“Congratulations to all our correctional officers today for their commitment and service to frontline public safety.

“Corrections is undoubtedly challenging work, but our officers and are equipped with the highest level of training, skills and support to enable them to perform their roles safely and effectively.”

Quotes attributable to Chief Superintendent Kris Winter, General Manager, Maryborough Correctional Centre, QCS:

“We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our officers for the difference they make in our community and their dedication and commitment to their role in keeping the public safe.

“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.”

Further information:

  • For more information about Queensland Corrective Services and to find out how to join the front line public safety agency head to: Careers | Queensland Corrective Services (corrections.qld.gov.au).
  • The total remuneration package for a QCS Custodial Correctional Officer ranges from $81,645 to $117,152 which includes base salary plus allowances and employer superannuation contributions.
  • Eligible candidates who relocate from interstate or South East Queensland to Capricornia, Townsville or Lotus Glen Correctional Centres may also be eligible for a relocation assistance package up to the value of $7,000.
  • The National Medal, introduced in 1975, recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations who risk their lives to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.