Twenty-seven trainee correctional officers (TCOs) have graduated from the Department of Corrections’ training program in Darwin today, bolstering the Territory’s frontline correctional workforce.
The TCOs have completed a comprehensive 11-week program combining practical, classroom and scenario-based training to prepare them for the complexities of working in correctional environments.
Training included cultural awareness, emergency response, personal safety, physical readiness, first aid, fire response and incident management.
The cohort reflects the diversity of the Northern Territory, with recruits coming from the NT, interstate and overseas, including Brazil, Papua New Guinea, South Korea and the United States.
They bring a broad range of professional and life experience, with backgrounds spanning administration, healthcare, hospitality, trades, security and the military.
After marching out today, the officers will begin duties at Darwin Correctional Centres while continuing to work towards a Certificate III in Correctional Practice over the next 9 months.
Acting Corrections Commissioner Kymberley McKay said the graduates will make an important contribution to the Territory’s correctional system.
“Over the past 11 weeks, these recruits have shown resilience, professionalism and a strong commitment to learning. They should be proud of what they have achieved, and I congratulate them on reaching this important milestone.”
“Correctional officers play a vital role in maintaining safe and secure facilities while supporting rehabilitation and reintegration opportunities that help prisoners make positive changes in their lives,” Mr McKay said.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Adult Operations Kate Chambers said today’s ceremony recognises the commitment of the newest cohort to a challenging and demanding but rewarding profession.
“I am proud to welcome these graduates to the Department, and equally proud of the correctional officers and staff who come to work every day to support community safety, secure facilities and rehabilitation efforts across the Territory,” Ms Chambers said.
Among the graduating cohort is TCO Blade Lacey, who is continuing a proud family tradition in Corrections.
“My dad has over 21 years of experience in Corrections across Victoria and the Northern Territory and my mum has over 14 years. They have supported me the whole way,” Mr Lacey said.
“I was looking for a new challenge and Corrections offered an opportunity to build a meaningful career while helping others.”
A further nine TCOs are currently undertaking training in Alice Springs and are expected to graduate on 14 August 2026.
The Alice Springs cohort includes recruits from across Australia, India, Sudan and Uganda with backgrounds in community services, policing, trades, transport and customer service roles.
The Department has recruited 106 TCOs in the last financial year and an additional 50 experienced correctional officers.
The next training courses will start on 20 July in Darwin and 5 October in both Darwin and Alice Springs.
Ongoing recruitment is a key focus for the Department of Corrections, which is also looking to recruit TCOs from the Katherine region for the 198-bed Katherine Work Camp.
