A new squad of prison officers joined the ranks of Corrections Victoria at a graduation ceremony in Melton today, with 28 new recruits set to make a real difference at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre women’s prison in Ravenhall.
The new officers bring a diverse mix of professional and personal experience to the role, including people who have previously been employed as a chef, lifeguard, solicitor, dental nurse and in the retail and hospitality sectors.
Twenty-three of the 28 recruits are female, with women already constituting more than 30 per cent of prison officers across the state. They have each completed an intensive two-month course, which included two weeks of on-the-job placement.
The new officers will perform a range of duties to ensure the safety and good order of the women’s prison system, as well as help prepare prisoners for their safe reintegration into the community at the end of their time in custody.
The Andrews Labor Government is working closely with Corrections Victoria to ensure the prison system has the highly trained staff needed to manage a growing prisoner population.
Thanks to record funding from the Labor Government, almost 1500 new entry-level prison officers have joined Victoria’s public prison system since 1 July 2015.
Corrections Victoria is also in the process of recruiting Victoria’s first all-female squad, with the 30-strong team graduating later this year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Ben Carroll
“Our corrections officers are highly trained and do a great job – it’s an exciting opportunity leading to a career that makes a real difference and it’s great to see new recruits rolling out of our training academy.”
“These new prison officers will do more than just guarding prisoners, they will play a vital role in preventing reoffending and improving community safety.”
Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie
“I congratulate our newest squad of prison officers, who bring a range of professional and personal qualities to this vital job - each of the graduates will be a terrific asset to our women’s prison system.”
Quotes attributable to Corrections Commissioner Emma Cassar
“The new recruits will be great additions to our hard-working team at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre.”
“Their comprehensive training will ensure they are well prepared for what will be a highly rewarding career in the corrections system.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020