Damien Clarke – 40 years of service
Published: 14 May 2026
Celebrating one of the department’s longest‑serving correctional officers.
The Department of Corrections is recognising and thanking a correctional officer for 40 years of service, making him one of the longest serving officers in the Northern Territory.
Chief Industries Officer Damien Clarke began his NT Corrections career in April 1986 at the Beatrice Hill Prison Farm, where he worked alongside prisoners doing maintenance, fencing, livestock handling and horticulture until the farm closed in 1990.
He then moved on to the Gunn Point Prison Farm where he was promoted to Chief Industries Officer of the piggery and poultry section, working closely with prisoners to provide food for NT prisons and supporting them to develop job-ready skills.
Most recently, Mr Clarke worked at Darwin Correctional Centre, skilling prisoners in carpentry and encouraging them to take pride in their work through furniture they built, or contributions they made to the Territory community.
He recalled a time prisoners made a rocking chair, which was donated to a local childcare centre.
"They’d give us a card of appreciation for what we’ve donated to them, and you show it to the prisoners when you come back, and they’d be that excited that they got recognised in making the thing," he said.
After four decades of service, Mr Clarke has also become the longest serving Indigenous officer and Industries Officer in the NT.
Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley presented Mr Clarke with a certificate and service medal last week, personally thanking him for his significant service in front of family and fellow officers.
"Forty years in Corrections is an extraordinary achievement, particularly in an operational role like prison industries," Commissioner Varley said.
"Mr Clarke’s lengthy service highlights not only commitment to NT Corrections but resilience, and a genuine belief in the work we do."
Mr Clarke retired from NT Corrections at the end of April, leaving behind a legacy of mentoring and mutual respect.
As for what is next, Mr Clarke said he has plans to travel but will first focus on helping his 4 children with some gardening.
Congratulations Mr Clarke on 40 years of service and we wish you all the best in retirement.
