New recruits step up to serve at Junee jail

ALMOST 40 newly trained correctional officers have joined the ranks at Junee Correctional Centre, providing a timely boost to staffing levels as the state government works to stabilise operations at one of New South Wales’ largest prisons.

The officers were recognised during a graduation ceremony at the centre on Tuesday, September 30, marking the completion of primary training for recruits from classes 25/001, 25/004, 25/018 and 25/021.

It’s the first group of officers to graduate since the NSW Government assumed control of the facility in April.

Photo: Corrective Services NSW

The group recently completed a demanding 12-week course covering legislation, policy, procedures, and scenario-based training in a custodial environment.

“We wish them all the best as they pursue their careers while making a meaningful contribution to public safety,” Corrective Services NSW said in a statement.

NSW Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong toured the facility alongside Corrective Services Commissioner Gary McCahon, confirming that most of the graduates will remain stationed in Junee.

“Ninety-five per cent of the graduates today will actually be located right here in Junee — a wonderful addition to the local community,” Minister Chanthivong said.

The new recruits are a welcome addition to the centre, which has been operating below capacity due to staffing shortages.

One of NSW’s Largest Prisons

Junee Correctional Centre is one of the state’s largest correctional facilities, operating as a reception and sentenced centre for minimum, medium, and maximum-security male inmates.

A $200 million expansion completed in 2019 added a 480-bed maximum-security unit and a female transition unit, bringing total capacity to 1,270 — though many of those beds remain unused.

Junee Correctional Centre | Photo: Google Maps

The state government says improved pay and job security under Corrective Services NSW are helping to rebuild the workforce and address ongoing operational challenges.

Centre Governor Troy Seychelles said the first six months under public management had seen operational changes to bring Junee in line with other state-run prisons.

“We’ve changed a little bit of the operations and aligned it with the centres across the state,” Mr Seychelles said.

“The first comment I get from the boots on the ground is that they’re remunerated really well for their job and their salaries have obviously increased.

“Hopefully, once we increase our staff profile, we’ll increase the inmate profile.”

Local Impacts and Partnerships

Under its previous operator, GEO Group, the prison invested significantly in local programs and sponsorships, many of which have since been reduced or cut altogether.

Corrective Services NSW says it is working to rebuild those community ties, including the continuation of partnerships such as its collaboration with Meals on Wheels.

“We’re working very hard to continue those partnerships with Meals on Wheels, working with the local community to volunteer and continue to find ways to work with the local community,” Minister Chanthivong said.

“Corrections are an important part of the local regional community, and will continue to play that role.”

One initiative receiving renewed support is the Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum, where inmates have assisted with gardening and restoration work for several years.

Museum secretary Gail Commens said the inmate program, which was paused during COVID, had resumed in recent months with weekly visits helping volunteers manage heavy-labour tasks.

“It was just getting too hard for us, particularly for the men using the mowers. They’ve got so many other things to do here, so to get that particular job off their hands is fantastic,” she said.

With warmer weather approaching, inmates will also return to cleaning and polishing the museum’s historic train displays.