The Geelong region offers the best of both worlds – coastal living with easy access to the vibrant city life of Melbourne.
Known for its pristine beaches, rich cultural history, and thriving food scene, Geelong is the perfect blend of seaside charm and regional tranquillity.
Looking for the gateway to the good life? You’ll find it right here.
Now, the Sea Change Package makes it easier than ever to start a new chapter where the beach meets the city.
The Sea Change Package offers new prison officers placed in the Barwon South West region up to $18k support to move closer to their workplace.
The Barwon South West region consists of multiple facilities including Barwon Prison, Marngoneet Correctional Centre (Karreenga) and Western Plains Correctional Centre.
Benefits you will receive include:
- New $8,000 sign-on bonus: Six months after commencing as a prison officer, you will receive a payment of $4,000. Then, after one year of full-time employment, you will receive an additional payment of $4,000.
- Up to $10,000 in relocation reimbursements: These funds cover expenses directly incurred by your need to move closer to your workplace. Expenses can include travel, temporary accommodation, removal, storage and more.
*Note, conditions apply.
Eligibility
You will be eligible for Sea Change Package benefits if you are successfully placed as a new prison officer at a facility in the Barwon South West region and you:
- currently live more than 100km from the Barwon South West region
- are willing to move to a home within 100km of your new workplace
- are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or have Australian permanent residency.
Read the complete list of eligibility requirements at the bottom of this page.
Benefits
Being a prison officer is a secure role with great benefits and career progression opportunities:
- Competitive salary and benefits: Earn up to $91,202, with annual salary increases and generous leave entitlements
- Comprehensive training: Receive 41 days of paid full-time training and the opportunity to complete a Certificate III in Correctional Practice
- Well-being and career development: Access to well-being facilities, Employee Assistance Program, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
About the role
Prison officers are essential to the operation of the prison. Your work is dynamic, and every day will be different.
A prison officer is a crucial factor in a person's rehabilitation journey. In your daily interactions, you’ll demonstrate respect and integrity, encouraging people in custody to make better choices. The work you do helps reduce the risk of reoffending and makes the community safer for everyone.
As a prison officer, you will:
- maintain the safety and security of the facility, people in our care, and other prison officers
- perform searches and escorts, operate security equipment, and handle reports and incidents
- monitor the behaviour of people in custody and assist with their rehabilitation through case management
- support work and learning programs and help people in custody connect with family and community.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for people who approach every day with a positive mindset. Your fresh perspective is valued, and you will actively support our team and people in our care. You’ll be challenged, but your resilience and dedication will help you thrive.
We look for candidates who are:
- good communicators who enjoy achieving positive outcomes
- action-oriented and driven by strong principles and integrity
- effective negotiators
- team players who enjoy seeing people progress.
There is no specific professional background needed to become a prison officer. It’s your life experience that counts in this role.
Learn more about being a prison officer
Full conditions and eligibility criteria of the new $8,000 sign-on bonus
To be eligible for the $8,000 sign-on bonus, you must:
- have applied to become a trainee prison officer on or after Thursday 1 May 2025
- not be an employee of the Department of Justice and Community Safety when appointed as a trainee prison officer
- have completed your probationary period and had your employment confirmed in accordance with the provisions within the VPS Enterprise Agreement 2024
- not be subject to formal under performance processes or proven misconduct
- be employed as an ongoing prison officer* after 6 months of continuous service† (to receive the first bonus)
- be employed as an ongoing prison officer after 12 months of continuous service (to receive the second bonus).
*Part-time employees will be paid a pro-rata value, based on the percentage of full-time hours they’re contracted to work.
† Continuous service means the total time you have spent working as a custodial officer (including time as a trainee prison officer).
Regional relocation assistance terms
The up to $10,000 regional relocation reimbursement assistance is available to employees:
- with ongoing prison officer roles
- new to public service
- living more than two hours drive away from new work location
- to help with costs like travel, freight, temporary housing and storage.