The first Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) graduation of the year will see a record 37 new officers joining the ranks at Capricornia Correctional Centre.
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga welcomed the new officers, who graduated in a ceremony in Rockhampton today.
“This will be the largest ever graduation of Custodial Correctional Officers in Rockhampton,” Mrs Lauga said.
“These new officers underwent an intensive specialist program that will give them the skills to excel in their field.
“The officers at Capricornia Correctional Centre do a fantastic job of keeping us safe, while working in a challenging and fast-paced environment.
“It’s because of them that Queensland is, and continues to be, a safe place.”
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke congratulated the new officers and said QCS was undertaking a massive recruitment drive for regional Queensland.
“The size of this cohort of graduates makes it clear: the Palaszczuk Government is all about jobs and training for regional Queensland.
“Capricornia Correctional Centre is our local jobs powerhouse, and I’m a proud advocate for the employment opportunities it creates.
“With the expansion of the Centre coming online this year, QCS are recruiting over 200 new staff to the Centre.
“The Palaszczuk Government is dedicated to creating jobs in regional Queensland, and QCS is a fantastic pathway for strong, fulfilling careers.”
Deputy Commissioner Koulouris welcomed the graduates into the corrective services field during a period of significant reform.
“Working for QCS is deeply meaningful – we transform lives, and communities, every single day,” he said.
“Today’s graduates come from a multitude of backgrounds, but all follow a fine tradition to join the QCS ranks and boost safety across Queensland.
“I have the utmost respect for all our officers working in the correctional system. They are performing an important and challenging public service, and I welcome these new officers to the QCS family.”
