National Corrections Day celebrates frontline officers
Communities across Queensland will recognise the front-line public safety role played by corrective officers by lighting landmarks across the State up in blue tomorrow for National Corrections Day.
National Corrections Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the professionalism and commitment of Queensland Corrective Service officers, and to thank them for keeping the Queensland community safe.
Minister for Corrective Services Mark Ryan MP said QCS officers undertook important work to reduce crime and improve community safety.
“Officers across the state, from community corrections in the Torres Strait to the high-security prisons of south-east Queensland, work to make Queensland a better place by managing and rehabilitating those who offend against society,” Minister Ryan said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought further challenges, and your vital work has not gone unnoticed.
“It is wonderful to see Queensland communities showing their support for QCS officers by lighting up blue again this year for National Corrections Day,” Minister Ryan said.
The theme for this year’s National Corrections Day is Corrections on the front line.
QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM thanked all QCS officers for their dedication and professionalism.
“As agents of change, our officers undertake important work in highly dynamic environments, made even more challenging this year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“The work of our officers has never been more important to ensure the safety of the community. I personally thank everyone for their continued efforts.
“National Corrections Day is an important opportunity to recognise the great work and celebrate the successes of our officers.
“It will be great to see the Story, Kurilpa and Victoria bridges in Brisbane lit up in blue and silver again in recognition of QCS officers, as well as landmarks across the State,” Commissioner Stewart said.
A virtual National Corrections day event will be shown on the website and the agency’s Facebook page tomorrow evening. A highlight of the event will be the announcement of the first Commissioner’s Unit Citation for officers who responded to violent protests at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre in 2020.