Ventia: Welcoming our first Indigenous recruits on SA contract

Twenty-seven new Indigenous recruits have joined the team on Ventia’s prisoner movement and in-court management services contract for the Government of South Australia.

Pictured above: Bessie Fredberg and SA Justice officer Jasmine Wilson

Ventia has committed to meeting the six per cent Aboriginal Australian employment target as set by the state government, demonstrating our commitment to help close the gap for Indigenous Australians.

The 27 trainee Care and Custody Officers, including 19 women, were recruited from across South Australia by Ventia’s dedicated Indigenous recruitment and mentoring division TRECCA.

The TRECCA team works with Indigenous organisations and candidates to find suitable roles across Ventia’s business in Australia.

Jasmine Wilton is one of the new team members at Port Augusta and she is enjoying the career change from working in aged care.

“I wanted to try something different and I’m finding it pretty good so far,” Jasmine said.

To qualify as a Care and Custody Officer Jasmine and her new colleagues successfully completed the five-week Initial Training Course in Adelaide. Subjects studied include legislation, policies and procedures, safety, de-escalation and use of force tactics, conducting searches and escorts, mental health, first aid and CPR, and emergency response exercises.

Jasmine said the course was interesting, but she missed her family and is glad to be able to be posted back in Port Augusta.

“I enjoyed the training and meeting new people of different cultures and backgrounds.”

Jasmine now works with three other Indigenous officers at Port Augusta and she said it was important to have her people represented in these roles.

“It’s important to have Indigenous officers so others can see there is some good out there,” Jasmine said.

“I want to be a role model for other Indigenous people in the community.”

Trainees will now complete 12-months on-the-job assessments to attain their Certificate III in Correctional Practice.

Prisoner movement and in-court management contract

Ventia’s South Australia prisoner movement and in-court management services contract covers the movement and management of prisoners and young detainees between prisons, courts and other places determined by the state.

19 of our 27 Care and Custody Officers are female

6% Aboriginal employment target

Working at Ventia

Ventia is always looking for new talent. Learn more about Ventia and find your next role here!