Queensland will tonight light up blue for National Corrections Day in recognition of the work of correctional officers on the front line of public safety.
The annual day celebrates the important work of Queensland’s dedicated corrective services staff and provides an opportunity for the community to acknowledge the work of these devoted public servants.
Minister for Corrective Services, Mark Ryan, said the work of all QCS staff helps keep communities safe.
“Queensland Corrective Services manage some of the most complex and challenging people in our society, and greatly help to reduce crime and improve community safety,” Minister Ryan said.
“From community corrections to custodial operations, alongside specialist services and frontline support – all pillars of the organisation work together to strengthen and grow QCS.
“Today, we celebrate our teams, including those who provide for the safety and security of correctional facilities, psychological support, offender rehabilitation and supervision, and education and training.
“More than 6,500 QCS officers and support staff from correctional centres, community corrections offices and work camps help to manage and rehabilitate offenders, while also contributing to better outcomes for the community.
Last financial year, offenders supervised under QCS’ community corrections programs performed a total of 136,199 hours of community service.
All work undertaken amounted to more than $3.8 million worth of labour to assist with infrastructure and maintenance in communities around Queensland.
Much of this work involved sandbagging to assist emergency services and volunteers in times of disaster.
“It is this innovative and collaborative approach to corrections that puts QCS at the cutting edge of corrective services across the nation,” Minister Ryan said.
“Our correctional officers work every day to make Queensland safe for everyone, and it is wonderful to see them recognised on National Corrections Day.”
QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM said National Corrections Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the often-unsung work of officers in Queensland and across Australia.
“National Corrections Day raises awareness about the critical work of correctional officers on the front line of public safety,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“This year’s theme of Collaborative Corrections is most fitting as we recognise the partnerships with our local and regional councils, fellow public safety agencies, community organisations and other state government stakeholders.
“I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our officers for the difference they make in our community and the dedication, commitment and passion they demonstrate not only to the organisation, but to the people of Queensland.
“By working together, we are one step closer to achieving our common goal of creating safer and stronger communities.”
