January 14th, 2025New corrections centre creates job opportunities: minister
The state government says it’s creating jobs in Victoria’s growing western suburbs while ensuring a strong correctional workforce with the opening of the new Western Plains Correctional Centre from mid-2025.
The Western Plains Correctional Centre will start taking prisoners from mid-2025 as part of major reforms to the men’s prison system.
Situated on the Bacchus Marsh Road at Lara, Western Plains is Victoria’s newest maximum-security correctional facility.
Minister for Corrections Enver Erdogan last week joined Corrections Victoria Commissioner Larissa Strong, and Barwon Prison operations manager Corey Stipcevich, to announce new job opportunities were available for the precinct and broader corrections system.
Corey reportedly knows how “rewarding and engaging” a role in the prison system can be – making the career change from hospitality to prison officer 12 years ago and “never looking back”.
Corey grew up about 10 minutes away from Barwon Prison and his mother has worked there since he was a teenager. Corey’s mother encouraged him to apply as she knew his customer service experience would set him in good stead.
As an extra incentive to encourage more people to think about a career in Corrections, a sign-on bonus of $8,000 will be available to those who take up a role at Western Plains or Hopkins Correctional Centre. Bonuses of $5,000 are available for recruits across other prisons.
Those who may want to move to the Geelong region for the job may also be eligible to access up to $10,000 to support their relocation.
Applications are now open for people from a diverse range of personal and professional backgrounds. There are many skills that are transferable to working in Corrections, including tradies, teachers, healthcare workers, retail and customer service staff and people may be more qualified than they think.
Prison officers work in a challenging yet rewarding environment with general duties and responsibilities including conducting patrols, security checks and helping people in prison to engage in rehabilitation programs like counselling, education and work.
With full training provided and support to obtain a Certificate III in Correctional Practice, Victorians from all walks of life can have a successful career in corrections.
New prison officers at Western Plains Correctional Centre will receive the sign-on bonus, roster flexibility, five weeks of annual leave and professional development opportunities for career advancement.
The Western Plains employment expo will take place from 5:30pm-8pm on Wednesday February 5, offering those intrested the chance to explore the various career opportunities at Victoria’s newest correctional centre.
To apply for a role at Western Plains or any of Victoria’s correctional facilities, those interested are able to visit justice.vic.gov.au/prison-careers.
Minister for Corrections Enver Erdogan: “A new year brings new opportunities – a role in our corrections system brings the chance to make a positive difference to the lives of people in prison and the safety of all Victorians.”
