New graduate nurses on the frontline at Junee Correctional Centre

NEW graduate nurses have been deployed to Junee Correctional Centre as part of a statewide Justice Health NSW intake, boosting frontline healthcare at the local prison and reinforcing Junee’s role in one of the state’s most specialised areas of nursing.

The placement forms part of Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network’s 2026 GradStart intake, which has brought 43 new graduate nurses into roles across correctional centres, youth justice centres and the Forensic Hospital in Sydney.

For Junee, the move delivers fresh clinical support to one of the region’s most significant secure facilities, with the new nurses to work alongside multidisciplinary teams caring for patients with often complex and diverse health needs.

The graduates will gain experience across a broad range of areas including mental health, primary care, drug and alcohol, and public health, while developing their skills under the guidance of experienced clinicians.

Justice Health NSW Chief Executive Wendy Hoey said the new recruits had chosen a challenging but highly rewarding career path.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to each of the 43 new graduate nurses for choosing an exceptionally rewarding career,” Ms Hoey said.

“Much of the work delivered by Justice Health NSW occurs out of public view, but the impact of these clinical staff will help transform the lives of our patients.”

The Junee placements are part of a wider rollout across both metropolitan and regional New South Wales, with nurses also stationed at Werrington, Kariong, Malabar, Silverwater, Windsor, Wellington, Bathurst, Lithgow, Nowra, Cessnock, Shortland and Kempsey.

While healthcare inside correctional centres is rarely seen by the broader public, the latest intake shines a light on the essential services operating behind the scenes — and the important role Junee continues to play in that network.

Former GradStart participant Kaitlin Barnsley said the program offered invaluable hands-on experience across a variety of clinical environments.

“As part of the GradStart program, I completed two rotations across different centres, which gave me valuable exposure to a range of clinical skills and the opportunity to work in different environments with diverse teams,” she said.

“The program challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, but the rewards were far greater than I could have imagined.”

Ms Barnsley said the graduate year had helped build her confidence as a practitioner and strengthen her ability to advocate for patients while working closely with Corrective Services NSW and other healthcare professionals.

“Overall, the graduate year has laid a strong foundation for my development as a safe, competent and compassionate registered nurse, and I feel well prepared to continue building my skills and expanding my clinical expertise,” she said.

The 2026 intake represents a significant boost to Justice Health NSW services across the state, with Junee among the communities helping support and train the next generation of nurses in one of the health system’s most specialised settings.