Newest Townsville custodial correctional officers graduate into frontline roles
- 31 new Custodial Correctional Officers graduate in Townsville.
- Graduates will strengthen frontline staffing at Townsville Correctional Centre.
- The milestone forms part of the Queensland’s Government’s delivery of 2,000 new corrections officers since coming to government.
Queensland Corrective Services has welcomed the latest cohort of Custodial Correctional Officers to the frontline at Townsville Correctional Centre, with 31 new recruits graduating the Custodial Officer Entry Program in Townsville today (02 October).
The graduating cohort included one officer who followed family members into a career in corrections, demonstrating the generational career opportunities available within QCS.
Since November 2024, more than 2,000 new corrections officers have been trained and deployed to boost frontline ranks and reduce reoffending to make Queensland communities safer.
The Member for Mundingburra, Ms Janelle Poole MP, represented the Minister for Corrective Services, Laura Gerber MP, at the ceremony.
“It’s an exciting day for the new QCS graduates, their families, and the North Queensland community as we take another step forward in delivering on our commitment to making Queensland safer,” Ms Poole said.
“This Government continues to bolster frontline workers by investing in the training, resources and support officers deserve, and I thank the new recruits for all the work they will do in our community as they embark on this new chapter.
“This continued investment in our frontline workforce alongside stronger laws, more police, early intervention and rehabilitation is all part of our plan to restore safety in our community.”
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Townsville Correctional Centre Acting General Manager Chief Superintendent Silvi Baretta congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the rigorous training program and welcomed them to the agency.
“We are strengthening our frontline supporting reform and rehabilitation, helping to reduce crime, creating fewer victims and building safer communities,” Ch Supt Baretta said.
“Our officers are our greatest asset, and I wish them well as they embark their new frontline community safety role.”
