- Queensland lights up blue for corrective services officers on National Corrections Day
- Landmarks turn blue across the state
- National Corrections Day theme this year is Wellbeing and awards were presented in recognition of outstanding contributions over the past year.
Queensland is lighting up blue to celebrate the work of correctional officers on the front line of public safety on National Corrections Day, Friday 19 January.
This year’s theme Wellbeing aligns with Queensland Correctives Services’ commitment to supporting the wellbeing and safety of its officers, those in our custody and care, and the broader community.
The day recognises the tireless work correctional officers do each day to keep Queensland safe by managing some of the most complex and challenging people to reduce crime and improve community safety.
As part of the celebrations, teams and officers were recognised with awards aligned to QCS’ Corrections 2030 principles of safety, excellence, empowerment, respect and accountability.
From the Cairns Court House Gallery in Far Northern Queensland to the 200-year-old heritage-listed Tree of Knowledge Memorial in Barcaldine, the 160-year-old lighthouse in Cleveland and Kurilpa Bridge in South East Queensland, Corrective Services Minister Nikki Boyd said councils across the state were joining Brisbane City in lighting landmarks in blue to recognise the important work corrections officers do every day to make communities safe.
In Brisbane, the Story and Victoria bridges will light up blue and silver.
Quotes attributable to the Honourable Nikki Boyd, Minister for Fire, Disaster Management and Corrective Services:
“Today we pause to celebrate the incredible work Queensland Corrective Services officers do every day to keep correctional centres and communities safe.
“From high security correctional centres to low custody facilities, remote community corrections offices to work camps which provide much needed labour and support to communities recovering from natural disasters, QCS officers make Queensland a better, safer place by managing and rehabilitating those who would otherwise offend.
“In 2022-23, the total number of hours performed by prisoners from low security facilities, including those on the Work Camp Program was 234,092, equivalent to $6.73 million in labour supporting regional Queensland.”
In 2022-23 the total number of community service hours completed by offenders from Community Corrections was more than 134,000 equating to more than $3.8million in savings for councils and local organisations.
“QCS officers work in uniquely challenging roles and sometimes confronting situations; so, it’s crucial their wellbeing is supported and protected every day so they can continue doing their good work – reducing crime and improving community safety.
“In recognition of this year’s theme, it is great to see QCS custodial and community corrections teams focusing on wellbeing, in everything they do, to ensure officers are equipped with the right support to carry out their roles effectively and efficiently.”
Quotes attributable to QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM:
“National Corrections Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the often-unsung work of officers on the front line of public safety, in Queensland and across Australia.
“It’s also a time to recognise that as the demands on our officers continue to grow, particularly in addressing the over-representation of First Nations people in custody and under supervision in the community, it’s crucial we prioritise the wellbeing of our officers, who work tirelessly each day to keep communities safe.
“By keeping officer wellbeing at the forefront of everything we do in our workplaces and the projects we undertake, it will give them the opportunity to better support individuals in custody as well as those living in the community.
“One such project is the new Lockyer Valley Men’s Correctional Centre near Gatton. With a focus on mental health and rehabilitation at its core, the facility will include mental health, drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in modern and fit-for-purpose spaces to uphold public safety and reduce reoffending.
“I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our officers for the difference they make in our community; and this year’s theme is fitting as it aligns with our vision – Corrections 2030, which not only focuses on prisoners and offenders and their rehabilitation journey, but also our dedicated staff – the lifeblood of our agency.”
