Taputoa Rea was seeking a career change that he could grow with and one that offered job security while using his skills to help people in his community, so joining Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (LGCC) as a Custodial Correctional Officer (CCO) was a calling he couldn’t resist.

“I joined LGCC six years ago and while my role has its ups and downs, it is what I love about the job,” says Taputoa.

“Every day is different – you don’t know what the day holds when you walk through the front gate.

“My role as a CCO is to maintain the safety and security of the centre, prisoners, officers and wider community through the dynamic security systems we have available at the centre.

“We respond to incidents that can be challenging, so staying calm is something I learned quickly and practice every day.

“It is also important to have good communication skills and establish a good rapport with prisoners, which helps build trust and respect while striving to help them improve their behaviour.

“Helping prisoners rehabilitate is a huge component of my role.

“Providing opportunities and programs to help improve prisoners’ behaviour and allowing them to learn new skills will offer them a better quality-of-life once released back into the community, with the hope that they are less likely to re-offend and return to custody.”

Born and bred in Cairns, Far North Queensland, Taputoa enjoys playing footy and spending time with his family in his spare time.

Taputoa is here for Queensland to make it a better place for the future of our youth.