Queensland venues were turned blue for National Corrections Day last Friday (20 January) in recognition of the work of Correctional Officers in the State.
According to the Minister for Corrective Services, Mark Ryan, the annual event celebrates the work of Queensland Corrective Services staff (QCS), providing an opportunity for the community to acknowledge them.
Mr Ryan said the work of all QCS staff helped keep communities safe.
“Queensland Corrective Services manage some of the most complex and challenging people in our society, and greatly helps to reduce crime and improve community safety,” Mr Ryan said.
“From Community Corrections to custodial operations, alongside specialist services and front-line support, all pillars of the organisation work together to strengthen and grow the QCS.”
He said more than 6,500 QCS officers and support staff from correctional centres, Community Corrections offices and work camps helped 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,” Mr Ryan said.
“Much of this work involved sandbagging to assist emergency services and volunteers in times of disaster.”
Commissioner for QCS, Paul Stewart said National Corrections Day provided an opportunity to celebrate the often-unsung work of officers in Queensland and across Australia.
“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,” Commissioner Stewart said.
