7 September 2026
Fourteen Youth Justice Officers have graduated from their initial training course in Darwin, strengthening frontline operations and increasing the Territory’s capacity to manage young offenders safely, support rehabilitation and contribute to safer communities.
The officers completed an eight-week program combining theory, practical instruction and scenario-based activities to prepare them for the demands of working in youth detention.
Training covered legislation and policy, operational safety, incident management and response, youth-focused practice, cultural competency and practical custodial skills.
It also included communication and de-escalation, trauma-informed practice and working effectively with Aboriginal young people, families and communities.
The graduates’ achievements were recognised at a ceremony at Hidden Valley Raceway on Friday, celebrating their commitment, development and readiness to begin frontline duties.
Deputy Commissioner Youth Justice and Community Corrections Sasha Dennis congratulated the graduates as they begin their careers.
“Youth Justice Officers play a critical role in maintaining safe and secure facilities, holding young people accountable for their actions and supporting the behavioural changes needed to reduce reoffending and improve community safety,” Ms Dennis said.
“This work requires professionalism, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to supporting young people through rehabilitation, education and personal development, helping them build skills and behaviour needed to break the cycle of offending.
“Every additional trained Youth Justice Officer strengthens our ability to provide a safe, structured and accountable environment for young people while supporting the wider goal of reducing youth offending across the Territory.”
“Investing in a skilled and professional workforce is critical to protecting the community, supporting rehabilitation and helping young people make positive choices that prevent further contact with the justice system”.
The new officers come from the Northern Territory and overseas, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria and New Zealand, and bring experience from community services, disability support, mental health, security and youth work.
Graduating Youth Justice Officer Aisea Fisiiahi, relocated to Darwin from New Zealand, where he worked as a Correctional Officer and manager in a maximum-security facility for 14 years.
Mr Fisiiahi said he is looking forward to being a positive role model for young people.
“I have seen the other side, where kids will end up if you don’t intervene or make changes,” Mr Fisiiahi said.
“I want to be a good role model for the young people, letting them know there’s always another way of life.”
As part of the program, the recruits completed shadow shifts at Holtze Youth Detention Centre, including early and late shifts, to begin applying their training in an operational environment.
The graduates will now transition into operational roles while completing a Certificate IV in Youth Justice.
The graduation reflects the Department of Corrections’ continuing investment in workforce capability, frontline service delivery and reducing youth reoffending through safe custody, rehabilitation and effective intervention programs.
A total of 38 Youth Justice Officers have been recruited across the NT this year.
