235 years of service recognised and eight QCS officers graduate

Eleven custodial officers were recognised for a collective 235 years of service on the same day as eight new officers graduated at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre today.

The graduation was one of many planned in 2018 as Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) maintains its commitment to ensuring appropriate staffing of its facilities in response to prisoner numbers.

All of the graduating officers will stay at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui, who represented Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan at the ceremony, said QCS officers played a vital role in ensuring public safety in the far north and across the State.

“These dedicated graduates are joining a workforce which is doing an excellent job in what can at times be an under-recognised field,” Ms Lui said.

“While it isn’t glamourous, every single Queenslander is safer for their work, and I thank them for it.

“Most QCS custodial officers stay in the job for a significant period of time – certainly more than a decade – which demonstrates both a committed staff and a supportive work environment.”

Mr Ryan said the new graduates were following a fine tradition upheld by the 11 officers who received Australian National Medals for long and diligent service.

“Two officers have given 35 years of diligent service, three have served 25 years and six have served 15 years. We thank them for making Queensland a safer place,” he said.

“As Minister, I have visited many correctional centres in the State and I have great admiration for the staff working in our system.

“The vast majority are dedicated individuals who rightfully take great pride in what they do and achieve every day.”

The men and women who graduated today completed 364 hours of training during the course, including practical on-the-job training experiences inside a correctional centre.

The Custodial Officer Entry Program (COEP) is based on best practice approaches to prepare new officers for the job ahead.

Mr Ryan said it was interesting to note that many of the graduating officers had previously worked in the professional sector.

“These officers come from a wide range of backgrounds, including a psychologist, a finance manager and an avionics expert,” he said.

ENDS

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