Corrective Services NSW has lured talent from across the border with a record number of interstate recruits among its latest graduating class of 71 custodial officers.
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The newest employees were recognised at an attestation ceremony at Wellington Correctional Centre on Thursday after successfully completing 10 weeks of intensive training at the facility.
They made history by being among the first to work in the new hi-tech Rapid-Build Prison, Macquarie Correctional Centre. It will open later this year next to the existing centre.
Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) Assistant Commissioner Mark Wilson said some recruits had relocated from other states to start their careers.
“Our new employees were sourced from a nationwide talent pool to complete their Certificate III in Correctional Practice and to learn the skills required for a challenging and rewarding career working within the state’s prisons,” Mr Wilson said.
“The role of an officer is a vital one and some of our recruits have eagerly crossed the border to take advantage of the world-class training and career development opportunities we provide.”
CSNSW Commissioner Peter Severin said the graduates come from diverse backgrounds and are determined to make a positive contribution to the criminal justice system.
“I congratulate the new staff members who are about to commence an important role, where they will work together to make our community a safer one.”
Dubbo Regional Council administrator Michael Kneipp said it was a fantastic day for Wellington. “Best of all many of them are local people,” he said.
“A lot of them were in employment in Wellington, so that means that other people in Wellington will have the opportunity to fill their positions by virtue of back-filling, so overall it really increases the employment in Wellington so it is a great day.”
Graduates will also be placed at Wellington Correctional Centre and the minimum-security facility at Brewarrina.
