Firstly, can you tell us about your career so far and the training you’ve delivered in corrections? 

In 2016, I started at Mount Gambier Prison (MGP) as a Trainee Correctional Officer and gained my Certificate III in Correctional Practice in 2017. In 2021 I became Commander of MGP Emergency Response Group and started delivering the Initial Training Course (ITC) to new recruits, including delivering defensive tactics training to new staff and refresher training to current staff. 

I have a passion for training and assessment, so in 2022 I completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. I also work for The Gordon Tafe as a Teacher and Assessor in the Certificate III in Correctional Practice. 

What’s your favourite thing about working at MGP?

Every day there’s the potential for a new challenge that I can learn from, plus I work with great people who share the same passion about the important work we do at MGP.

What will new recruits learn during the training you deliver?

New Correctional and Operational Support Officers will learn a wide range of new skills during the training. Some examples of what recruits will learn include communication techniques, operational instructions, medical escorts, and report writing.

What’s involved in the defensive tactics training?

In the defensive training, our Trainee Correctional Officers will learn tactical communication and negotiation, situational decision making, use of restraints and escorting techniques, and correct use of force - including arm bars, holds, locks and cell extractions.

How can new starters be successful throughout the training?

Mainly to just jump in and have a go! We were all new staff at some point and everyone in the team is happy to help. 

New starters can also be successful by asking questions, taking notes, active listening, and treating everyone that they meet with respect - there will be something to learn from everyone when you start. 

The environment can be challenging - do you have any recommendations or tips for people starting their career at MGP? 

Be kind to yourself while learning the job. You’ll find things that you are good at straight away, and other things will need more time and practice. Everyone’s different and that’s completely normal.

And most importantly - be you! A diverse team is important, so don’t try to be someone you’re not.

Lastly, what are the career advancement opportunities like at MGP? 

There’s lots of career advancement opportunities available at MGP. For example, staff have the opportunity to progress to higher roles like Supervisors and Senior Managers.