Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has marked Australia Day 2020 by bestowing official honours on a wide range of dedicated and committed public service professionals serving the New South Wales community over and above the requirements of their jobs in the public sector.
Her Majesty’s awards, presented under the Order of Australia, were released in Canberra by the Governor-General, General David Hurley on Australia Day.
The NSW Public Service employees honoured by the Queen this year, including those receiving the Public Service Medal (PSM), were:
COMPANION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AC)
Margaret Joan BEAZLEY AC AO QC
Governor General
For eminent service to the people of New South Wales, particularly through leadership roles in the judiciary, and as a mentor of young women lawyers.
Her Excellency Margaret Beazley has been Governor of New South Wales since May 2019.
OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AO)
Donald Morrison GRANT AO AM RFD
Surveyor General
For distinguished service to surveying, particularly through the establishment of a combined public sector mapping agency.
Mr Morrison was Surveyor-General of New South Wales from 1984 to 2000.
MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM)
David Ronald LEECE AM PSM RFD ED
Natural Resources Commission
For significant service to the environment, and to defence and security studies.
Environment.
Dr Leece was Assistant Commissioner of the Natural Resources Commission of New South Wales between 2004 and 2008.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)
Christopher Mark BEATSON PSM
New South Wales Police Force
For outstanding public service to the New South Wales Police Force.
In his role as Director of PoliceLink Command, Mr Beatson has delivered high level service to the NSW Police Force. His strategic vision and business acumen, coupled with extensive call centre management experience, has led to the significant growth of the PoliceLink Command, and the expansion of the services it delivers.
With a strong focus towards continual improvement, Mr Beatson has encompassed a range of technologies to produce resource effectiveness in a 24/7 working environment and has had direct involvement in the future direction of the provision of emergency service outcomes.
Mr Beatson has harnessed technology to provide efficient and effective solutions, which has improved service delivery for the NSW Police Force and the community of New South Wales.
Wilma FALCONE PSM
Family and Community Services
For outstanding public service to the social housing sector in New South Wales.
Since joining the NSW government in 1997, Mrs Falcone has dedicated her career to helping vulnerable groups, making significant contributions to NSW social housing programs.
In 2016 she was appointed Director Social Housing Strategy Implementation Unit and has delivered the Future Directions for Social Housing, a 10 year program to drive better outcomes for social housing tenants.
She is also driving a tenant relocation program for multiple Communities Plus projects, enabling the delivery of up to 23,000 new and replacement social housing dwellings and up to 40,000 private dwellings.
Mrs Falcone has emphasised the importance of transparent and honest communication combined with a truly collaborative approach to achieve positive outcomes for tenants and the government of New South Wales.
Mark David GRANT PSM
Education
For outstanding public service to education in New South Wales.
In a diverse career Mr Grant has displayed dedication and passion for improving outcomes for members of New South Wales’ school communities, having served as a teacher, Principal, Executive Director, and current Chief Executive Officer for the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership.
As Executive Director, Leadership and High Performance, Mr Grant was instrumental in leading the implementation of the Resource Allocation Model (RAM) for NSW public schools and as Executive Director, Learning Management and Business Reform transformed high profile, state-wide change strategy to modernise student administration and finance systems.
Mr Grant’s leadership and attention to detail has greatly assisted the NSW Department of Education to meet its strategic goals.
Pippinella Wheatcroft JOB PSM
Dought Coordinator
F or outstanding public service to drought affected communities in New South Wales.
Ms Job was the 2018 NSW Drought Coordinator providing a critical conduit for the Nin that position she worked tirelessly, travelling thousands of miles, personally visiting hundreds of households and initiating community forums across some of the most remote parts of the State, all within a seven-month period.
She has also been an advocate for financial and mental health literacy and made significant contributions to developing and embedding programs that promote rural and community resilience.
Ms Job is known for her innovative, empathetic and respectful leadership and for her care and concern for her colleagues and for the people of rural and regional New South Wales.
Ronald Fredrick KEMSLEY PSM
Kempsey Shire Council
For outstanding public service to environmental rehabilitation in the Kempsey Shire.
Mr Kemsley has displayed dedication and passion for environmental rehabilitation as a Senior Natural Resources Officer at Kempsey Shire Council. Since joining the Council in 2000, he has worked in the restoration and enhancement of Kempsey Shire’s aquatic ecosystems and addressed environmental issues.
He has been instrumental in implementing several significant and wide-ranging environmental rehabilitation projects including the Boyters Lane Wetland Rehabilitation Project which saw more than 230 species of bird detected in the area, including endangered species.
Mr Kemsley’s experience and expertise, and his enthusiasm for work and willingness to share his extensive knowledge has been highly valued by the community he serves.
Annette Elizabeth MOEHEAD OAM PSM
NSW Health
For outstanding public service to mental health care of aged persons in New South Wales.
Mrs Moehead has provided exceptional service to NSW Health since 1973, specialising in the nursing of dementia and psychogeriatrics for over 30 years.
She is regarded by nurses and health professionals as a leader, mentor and expert in dementia and delirium care and has placed great emphasis on the recognition, assessment and management of cognitive disorders at a state and national level.
Currently as Nurse Practitioner Psychogeriatrics, Northern New South Wales Local Health District, Mrs Moehead’s dedication and commitment to influencing the knowledge and skill of the healthcare workforce in delivering quality clinical care has earnt her the respect and acknowledgement from her patients, peers and the community of New South Wales.
Victor Hutton ODDY PSM
Department of Primary Industries.
For outstanding public service to the primary industry sector, and to science, in New South Wales.
Dr Oddy has dedicated his career to research and development in nutrition, animal physiology and mitigation of greenhouse gases by livestock throughout a career spanning over 40 years.
He continues to make real impacts for the livestock industry, particularly in the areas of animal growth, efficiency, nutrition and methane production and has authored more than 100 peer reviewed scientific journal papers, including invited reviews and a book chapter, and well over 100 conference papers and industry reports regularly cited by scientists all over the world.
Dr Oddy has provided superior dedication and commitment to the community of New South Wales, particularly to primary industry.
Donna OSLAND PSM
Royal Botanic Gardens
For outstanding public service to public programs at the Royal Botanic Gardens,
Mrs Osland has displayed exemplary leadership and customer service as an Education Officer and Manager of Volunteer Programs at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney for over 23 years.
Known for her excellent organisation, effective mentoring and leadership, she has developed and managed the growth of volunteer programs at the Sydney, Mount Annan and Mount Tomah botanic gardens and at Centennial Parklands.
The programs now involve the work of over 700 volunteers.
Additionally, she has ensured that the Royal Botanic Garden’s high professional standards are achieved and maintained by all the volunteers.
Highly respected amongst colleagues, peers and visitors, Mrs Osland has made a substantial contribution to the Royal Botanic Gardens and to the community of New South Wales.
Raymond John SMITH PSM
Local Government
For outstanding public service to local government in New South Wales.
Mr Smith has served communities in New South Wales through the local government sector for over 48 years.
Commencing his service at Baulkham Hills Council in 1971, he contributed to the Councils of Hornsby Shire, Penrith City, Waverley, Grafton City, and Cobar Shire.
In 2010, he commenced as General Manager at Bland Shire Council.
His drive, determination and leadership, coupled with his passion and creativity, has made him an outstanding public servant and General Manager.
Mr Smith is a conscientious and professional General Manager, committed to excellence in local government, and an unwavering dedication to the community of New South Wales.
Vicki TELFER PSM
Industrial Relations
For outstanding public service to industrial relations policy and reform in New South Wales.
Ms Telfer has been instrumental in the evolution and sustainability of industrial relations policy and reform across New South Wales for over 20 years.
She played a critical role navigating some of NSW’s most public industrial matters, ensuring mutually beneficial arrangements were achieved. At NSW Treasury she drove the establishment of a flexible working environment across NSW Treasury.
Ms Telfer’s innovation, leadership and dedication has helped to ensure New South Wales is equipped with productive and desirable workplaces.
Katherine Ruth TOLLNER PSM
Department of Industry
For the outstanding public service to people with a disability in New South Wales.
Ms Tollner was instrumental in shaping and implementing an innovative partnership with National Disability Services in 2014 whilst working for the Department of Industry. Since that time she has contributed to the provision of ongoing, meaningful employment in regional New South Wales for more than 200 workers with a disability.
She established a partnership between the National Disability Service’s ‘BuyAbility’ program and the Department of Industry involving the Department contracting services to disability enterprises to provide commercial office cleaning, data entry, printing and business stationary, scanning,secure document destruction and grounds maintenance.
The highly successful agreement is now valued at approximately $12 million and employs more than 200 workers and additional support staff across the state.
Ms Tollner is a highly respected public servant whose work has positively impacted the lives of people with disabilities in New South Wales.
AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL (APM)
Detective Chief Inspector Robert Mark ALLISON APM
Detective Chief Inspector Allison joined the New South Wales Police Force in 1984. He was confirmed as a Constable in 1987 when he commenced his career in criminal investigation.
In 1991, he was selected to perform duty at the Arson Unit, South Region Major Crime Squad and 1994 was selected for the Homicide Unit Major Crime Squad South where he quickly established himself as one of the most outstanding homicide investigators in the State.
He was later promoted to Inspector at Kings Cross Police Station where he initially performed the role of Duty Officer, before moving into the Crime Manager role and later to his current position as the Crime Manager, St George Police Area Command.
Detective Chief Inspector Allison has provided dedicated police service to the people of New South Wales for over 35 years.
Detective Superintendent Anthony John COOKE APM
Detective Superintendent Cooke joined the New South Wales Police Force in 1986. He entered plain clothes duties in 1990 and in 1995 transferred to the Major Crime Squad North and then to Homicide and Serial Violent Crime Agency in 1998.
He was promoted to Chief Inspector in 2000 and later returned to investigative duties in 2005, in command of the Metropolitan Robbery Unit.
In 2010 he was transferred to the role of Operations Manager, Central Metropolitan Region and in 2014 returned to specialist investigative Duty at the Drug Squad, State Crime Command. In 2018 he transferred to the Organised Crime Squad.
Detective Superintendent Cooke is an accomplished Police Commander and has served the people of New South Wales for over 33 years.
Detective Superintendent David Caldwell DARCY APM
Detective Superintendent Darcy joined the New South Wales Police Force in 1983 and performed General Duties until 1985 when he transferred into criminal investigation roles.
He was promoted to Sergeant in 1995 and in 1996 he was transferred into an executive support role during the NSW Royal Commission into Police Corruption.
In 1999 he was promoted to Inspector as Commander, City East Region Target Action Group & Anti-theft Unit where he was promoted to his current rank of Superintendent in 2002.
Detective Superintendent is an accomplished Police Commander who has served the community of New South Wales for over 36 years.
Detective Superintendent Kerrie Anne LEWIS APM
Detective Superintendent Lewis joined the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) in 1984 and performed General Duties until 1988 when she commenced a successful career in major criminal investigation in the North West Major Crime Squad.
Between 1996 and 2009, she transferred through several stations in regional NSW performing predominantly criminal investigation duties relating to child protection.
She was promoted to Detective Sergeant in 2002 and from then until 2016 she performed the role of Team Leader in Wagga Wagga investigating Child Abuse offences.
Detective Superintendent Lewis is an accomplished Police Commander who has provided dedicated service to the people of New South Wales for over 35 years.
Detective Superintendent Peter James McKENNA APM
Detective Superintendent McKenna joined the New South Wales Police Force in 1990 and in 1992 served at the Parramatta District Anti-Theft Unit prior to transferring to Lismore Police Station in 1994.
In 1996 he commenced in criminal investigations in the Northern Region of NSW, transferring to Crime Agencies in 2001 and in 2002 when he was promoted to Detective Sergeant.
In 2006 he was promoted to Inspector, Crime Manager in the Manning/Great Lakes area and in 2017 he was promoted to his current rank.
and position at Superintendent McKenna is an accomplished Police Commander who has served the people of New South Wales for over 29 years.
Sergeant John Francis RAYMENT APM
Sergeant Rayment joined the New South Wales Police Force in 1979 and he performed General Duties until 1985 before transferring into the District Anti-Theft team and Special Operation Group around the Sydney Central Business District.
During this time he was commended for outstanding performance including the arrests in 1990 of 200 offenders and the preferment of 343 charges.
He attained the rank of Sergeant in 2001 at Surry Hills and transferred to the Ashfield Local Area Command in 2006.
He received a Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage in 1985 and again in 1993 and in 1994 was commended for his performance in the arrest of an armed offender who was subsequently charged with numerous armed robbery offences.
Sergeant Rayment is an accomplished Police Officer who has served the people of New South Wales for over 40 years.
Superintendent Daniel Edward SULLIVAN APM
Superintendent Sullivan joined the New South Wales Police Force in 1989 and transferred to the South Region Prosecution Command in 1993 and remained as a Prosecutor at North Region Prosecutor’s Office until 2000 when he was transferred to the Hunter Target Action Group as Team Leader.
He was promoted to the rank of Inspector in 2003 and continued his career in Communications and Technical related Commands, promoted in 2007 as General Manager of the Business Technical Services and then as Commander of the Radio Operations Unit at the Sydney Police Centre.
In 2012 he transferred to Brisbane Waters as Commander and then in 2017 to Lake Macquarie Police District as the Police District Commander.
Superintendent Sullivan is an accomplished Police Commander who has served the people of New South Wales for over 30 years.
Detective Superintendent Gavin Kendall WOOD APM
Detective Superintendent Wood joined the New South Wales Police Force in 1989 and in 1992 transferred to the Kings Cross Police Station.
In 2000 he was promoted to Detective Sergeant at the Eastern Suburbs Local Area Command where he was involved in the supervision of criminal investigations until 2003 and he promoted to Inspector/Duty Officer.
In 2007 he undertook the role of Commander (Inspector rank) at the Surry Hills Regional Enforcement Squad and was later transferred Staff Officer for Assistant Commissioner Fuller at the Southern Region Command Office.
In 2012 he transferred to the State Crime Command Gangs Squad as Investigations Co-ordinator. He was promoted to the rank of Superintendent in 2017.
Superintendent Wood is an accomplished Police Commander who has served the people of New South Wales for over 30 years.
AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL (AFSM)
John William BEVAN AFSM
Mr Bevan joined Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) in 1987, and for the past 32 years has provided dedicated service to the organisation and to the people of New South Wales, specifically in Lightning Ridge in the far north west of the State.
Mr Bevan has been a proponent of diversity with his team comprising equal male and female firefighters from Indigenous, non-Indigenous and mixed cultural backgrounds and his ability to attract and maintain a retained workforce in a remote part of the state is widely admired.
Hiss commitment and dedication to FRNSW and to the people of far north west New South Wales is exemplary.
Brett DAVIES AFSM
Mr Davies was appointed to Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) in 1980 as a Recruit Permanent Firefighter and has since given over 38 years of exemplary service. He now holds the rank of Chief Superintendent and the position of Area Commander Metropolitan North, where since 2012 he has led firefighters and Zone and Area Command teams from Newcastle, Central Coast and the lower Hunter regions of New South Wales.
He is held in high regard within FRNSW as well as by members of other emergency service organisations with which he has developed strong professional networks.
Mr Davies outstanding and distinguished service in the field of emergency incident management and leadership over many years has contributed significantly to the ongoing performance of FRNSW, and to the safety of firefighters and the community of New South Wales.
Robert James GRAHAM AFSM
Mr Graham joined the New South Wales Rural Fire Service’s (NSWRFS) Goolmangar Brigade in the Lismore District in 1969. He became Captain in 1983 and also took on the role of Secretary. Brigade meetings were held at the Goolmangar Hall until the Brigade shed was built in 1984. He was Captain of the Brigade until the amalgamation with the Coffee Camp Brigade.
During his long service with NSWRFS he has held the positions of Captain, Deputy Captain, Brigade Training Officer, Brigade Callout Officer, Treasurer, Secretary, President, Permit Officer, Deputy Group Captain and Group Captain. He still currently holds the positions of Permit Officer and Group Captain. He is also a member of the District Training Team and was awarded Life Membership of Goolmangar Brigade in 2009.
Mr Graham’s dedication to the NSWRFS and the community of New Sales Wales over thepast 50 years is exemplary.
Raymond Randolf HILL AFSM
Mr Hill has been a volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) since joining the Curlwaa Brigade in 1989. His leadership skills and ability can be illustrated by his continued election to the Group Captain position from 2003 until the present day.
Mr Hill has always been passionate about the NSWRFS and the needs of the community for fire protection.
Dawn Caroline MAYNARD AFSM
Ms Maynard was appointed to Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) in 1985 and has performed in a wide range of operational roles in both metropolitan and regional locations.
She has played a very significant role in Fire and Rescue NSW’s evolution as an organisation, being amongst the first female firefighters to join and to progress to Station Officer, making her both a trailblazer and role model for others.
Ms Maynard has since given 34 years of exemplary service to FRNSW, and to the people of New South Wales.
John Wayne STUCKINGS AFSM
Mr Stuckings joined the Gidgell Brigade of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) in 1980, and in 2005 took up the role as Brigade Captain.
In 2003 he became a Deputy Group Captain, a position he held until 2007 when he stepped up into the Group Captain’s role.
He actively mentors younger volunteers within the district, particularly in the Coleambally area, often helping neighbouring brigades with local training. He is an active member of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) District Training Group and continues to assist with the Basic Firefighter, Village Firefighter, Crew Leader and Rural Fire Driving courses.
Mr Stuckings’ dedication and commitment to the NSWRFS, and to the safety of his community is commendable.
Michelle Janine THORNLEY AFSM
Ms Thornley first joined the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) at the St Georges Basin Brigade as a Junior Member in 1984. Since that time, she has fulfilled many roles within the Brigade, and currently holds the position of Captain.
She has held positions of Brigade President, Permit Officer, Call Out Officer, Training Officer, and is a Fire Investigator, in addition to a fully trained Structural Fire Fighter.
She has always demonstrated strong leadership qualities and fostered strong ties within the local community.
She has put in hundreds of hours training her members and juniors over her 35 years of service.
Ms Thornley demonstrates the service and values of a committed NSWRFS volunteer and her achievements are most noteworthy.
Owen Leonard TYDD AFSM
Mr Tydd has been a member of the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) since joining in January 1961. He has successfully held the positions of Captain through to Group Captain and continues to prove himself an effective member of the Liverpool Range District Senior Management Team, and the District Training Team.
During his service he has proven to be a highly capable leader, both on and off the fireground. He has demonstrated leadership attributes vital to the NSWRFS, and is an example to both new and seasoned field officers for what it means to be a leader within the Service.
Mr Tydd has devoted himself to sustained and selfless voluntary service for almost 60 years to the NSWRFS and to the community.
Graham Clifford WILLIAMS AFSM
Mr Williams has been active member of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) for 55 years since joining the Sussex Inlet Brigade in 1964.
He served as Deputy Captain from 1970 to 1977, and as Captain from 1977 to 1989. He was subsequently elected Group Captain from 1989 to 1995 and from 2008 to now he has served as Deputy Captain.
Mr Williams’ commitment to the NSWRFS, and to the safety of his community, over many years is commendable.
AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL (ASM)
Clare Louise BEECH ASM
Ms Beech commenced her paramedic career with Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2002 and in 2007 she joined NSW Ambulance and subsequently obtained Intensive Care, Extended Care and frontline management qualifications.
Currently as Director Sector Operations she oversees the day-to-day operations of almost 4,000 paramedic staff at over 260 locations across metropolitan Sydney and rural and regional NSW.
Ms Beech is the first female to be appointed to an Assistant Commissioner role within NSW Ambulance and her commitment to the community of New South Wales is of the highest calibre.
Michael John BRAY ASM
Mr Bray has excelled as a leader and mentor during his tenure at NSW Ambulance, both in his clinical practice and in his current role as the Manager of the State Planning Unit. Whilst currently performing managerial roles within the Service, he continues to respond as an operational paramedic to patients in the community during times of emergency or disaster.
During his career, he performed duties as Staff Officer to the Executive Director, Clinical Operations where he established robust relationships across other emergency service organisations, government departments and within the Ministry of Health. These relationships have allowed NSW Ambulance to shape the planning and operation of major events across the state.
Mr Bray’s dedication to providing excellence in care is commensurate with the vision and core values of NSW Ambulance and goes above and beyond the expectations of the Service.
EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL (ESM)
Allison May FLAXMAN ESM
Ms Flaxman has served the New NSW SES for over 20 years, joining the Service as an Administration Officer. During this time she has undertaken a number of roles, including as Business Manager, Deputy Region Controller, Region Controller, Program Manager and presently as the Metro Deputy Zone Commander. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for providing leadership based on trust, respect, collaboration, empowerment and inspiring confidence.
Ms Flaxman has provided dedicated and committed service to the NSW SES and to the people of New South Wales throughout her career.
Richard John ROOKE ESM
Mr Rooke joined the New South Wales Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) in Wagga Wagga in 1981 and has served there since that time.
He undertook the role as Squad Captain from 1987 until 2001, and again in 2014 and 2015 and was Deputy Captain from 1982 until 1986, and is currently the Squad’s Boating Captain, a role he has performed since 1982.
He was also a member of the Management Committee from 1983 until 2017.
Mr Rooke has provided dedicated and committed service to the NSW VRA, and to the people of New South Wales, throughout his volunteer career.
Warren Noel TURNER ESM
Mr Turner has been an active member of the NSW SES for 15 years during which time he has served in a number of leadership and senior leadership positions, including as Team Leader, Rescue Officer, Training Coordinator, Incident Controller, Local Controller (Kiama and Wingecarribee) and Local Commander (The Southern Highlands Cluster).
In addition to field work he is also the Chair for a number of NSW SES Capability Development Groups, including GLR and Remote Area Search.
Mr Turner has provided dedicated and committed service to the NSW SES, and to the people of New South Wales throughout his career.
AUSTRALIAN CORRECTIONS MEDAL (ACM)
Jean Elizabeth DALLY ACM
Ms Dally commenced her service with Corrective Services New South Wales in 2004 and since then has directly provided, managed and supported a range of interventions for inmates.
She has participated in information sessions and recruiting drives in local communities and has selected appropriate applicants to become members of the Offender Services and Programs team. She has established relationships with local agencies to deliver best practice programs and support services pre-release of inmates.
Ms Dally’s focus on listening to, and meeting the needs of, offenders involves her travelling to 15 Correctional Centres located in the south and west of the state, as well as to 25 community corrections offices. This commitment and dedication to assisting offenders with complex needs and offending histories is commendable.
Rebecca Joy EDWARDS ACM
Miss Edwards commenced duty with Corrective Services New South Wales (CSNSW) in 2005, and at the completion of her primary training at the Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy was posted as a Correctional Officer to the Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre before transferring to the Dawn De Loas Correctional Centre when it first opened.
She subsequently commenced duties with the Corrections Intelligence Group (CIG) and is currently on secondment as Manager of Governance and Compliance – Security and Intelligence.
Through her work over many years Ms Edwards has established and strengthened relationships with law enforcement bodies which have contributed to a safer environment, not only for offenders and staff in CSNSW locations, but also in the community.
Amandeep SINGH ACM
Mr Singh commenced his service with New South Wales Corrective Services in 2014 and currently holds the position of First Class Correctional Officer at the Metropolitan Special Programs Centre (MSPC), the high security area of the Long Bay Correctional Complex which houses approximately 500 high security inmates that are predominantly on remand.
He works at the reception desk at the internal visits centre and over the past 12 months he intercepted approximately 50 visitors attempting to smuggle contraband into the MSPC.
During his own time he designed a user-friendly computer dashboard application which has a generic and individual component for staff across the state to utilize in performing their daily duties.
The dashboard application delivers efficient workplace practices allowing staff to focus on business-as-usual operations and perform their duties more effectively. Due to the success of the program at Long Bay Correctional Complex, the program is now being rolled out to other centres across the state.
Albert William TORRENS ACM
Mr Torrens commenced service with New South Wales Community Corrections as an Aboriginal Client Service Officer in 2000, serving at the Newtown Community Corrections Office and is currently at the Leichhardt Community Corrections Office.
He is in daily contact with offenders and their families, either through interviews or home visits, or in conjunction with meetings and contact with Aboriginal services in the Inner West area of Sydney.
He was pivotal in rebuilding relationships with the criminal justice community and the Aboriginal community following the Redfern Riots in 2004 and since this time has continued to be a tireless advocate for Community Corrections engagement with Aboriginal clients and their families.
Mr Torrens has been a tireless advocate and champion of Community Corrections within the community and his dedication and commitment to reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for Aboriginal offenders in New South Wales is to be commended.
