The first group of Trainee Correctional Officers (TCOs) to be assigned to the new Darwin Correctional Centre at Holtze will today graduate from the initial phase of their 12-month training program.

The Commissioner of Correctional Services, Ken Middlebrook, said 25 of the 27 TCOs graduating had been assigned to DCC with two trainees heading to the Barkly Work Camp at Tennant Creek.

“This is a historic day for these trainees and their families as they will be the first never to have worked at the old Berrimah prison.

“From Monday they will sign on at the most modern and well-equipped prison in Australia with the central aim of preparing prisoners to re-enter society with the education and work skills needed to gain meaningful employment and so end the cycle of re-offending.”

Mr Middlebrook said the TCOs had come from a wide range of employment backgrounds including the Australian Defence Force and small business and would be presented with certificates marking the end of their initial 11 weeks of training.

“The next nine months will be no less intensive for the group, including those heading to Tennant Creek, as they learn on-the-job shadowing experienced Correctional Officers in all aspects of their responsibilities to earn their Certificate III in Correctional Practice.”

Mr Middlebrook said the TCOs would be joined by six Community Corrections’ Probation and Parole Officers who were being presented with the Certificate IV in Correctional Practice. Another two PPOs have also achieved the Certificate IV but are unable to attend today’s graduation.

Today’s ceremony will also be the first to be held at the NTDCS Staff Learning and Development Centre at the Darwin Correctional Precinct, Willard Road, Holtze, commencing at 1.30pm.

Media contact: David Harris 0400 342 389