Lithgow locals invited to prison - for all the right reasons

23 OCTOBER 2025

In a rare chance to step behind the walls and learn firsthand about working at a prison, locals have been invited to a family-friendly community event at Lithgow Correctional Centre next month.

As part of a recruitment drive to attract new custodial and non-custodial employees, the centre will host a careers expo on Saturday, November 1, from 8am to 4pm.

Visitors will be able to meet staff, take part in demonstrations, and learn about the many roles that keep the prison running safely and support positive change for inmates.​

It’s an invitation not just to step onto the grounds, but to understand the extraordinary sense of purpose behind those who keep the system running safely every day.

For Senior Correctional Officer Steven Slaven, joining Corrective Services NSW was about finding a career with stability, challenge, and meaning.

“I was working in the mines around the local area and wanted something I could really build a career in, and something I could retire in,” he said.

Steven began as a casual correctional officer and has since developed specialist skills through emergency response training and field officer programs, helping mentor new recruits as they start their own journeys.

“One of the most rewarding things is training new officers and seeing them grow into confident, capable staff,” he said.

“You face challenges every day, but that’s what makes the job rewarding. You learn about teamwork, communication, and understanding people from all walks of life.”

He said the rapport built with inmates plays a huge part in rehabilitation efforts.

“When you get to know where someone’s come from, what their family’s like, what motivates them, that’s the key to helping them change,” he said.

“You remind them they’ve got people on the outside counting on them. That perspective makes a difference.”

Among those sharing their stories at the open day will also be Narelle Letby, who joined 15 years ago after working as a Sizzler restaurant supervisor – and who once ranked fifth in the world in karate.

Her career move inspired all four of her sons – Raymond, Dylan, Cameron and Jack – to join CSNSW as well.

“We all wear the same uniform and share the same sense of pride in what we do,” Narelle said.

“It’s a job that teaches discipline, patience and humanity. That’s what drew me in, and I think that’s what my sons saw too.”

She said the job has given her much more than just stability.

“Every shift, you know you’re helping to keep people safe and giving others a chance to turn their lives around. You see the difference you can make, and that’s powerful.”

The upcoming expo offers people a rare and welcoming look into an often-misunderstood profession.

Visitors will have the chance to talk one-on-one with staff like Steven and Narelle, see training demonstrations, and learn about the wide range of career opportunities across custody, trade roles, psychology, administration, and support services.

For those who value teamwork, job security, and purpose, it’s a chance to discover a career that truly makes an impact — not just on the community, but on the lives of the people within it.

Those wishing to attend can register online.