New graduates bolster ranks, officers recognised in Townsville

Townsville Correctional Complex welcomed 19 new custodial correctional officers and acknowledged nine officers with awards for service and commitment to community safety at a ceremony in Townsville recently.

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart was at the event to welcome the new officers and congratulate the medal recipients.

“The work these officers do is important for our community and it was great to welcome the new recruits,” he said.

“The new officers will help change the lives of people in custody and they also performing an essential role in helping keep the community safe.”

Deputy Commissioner Custodial Operations Gary McCahon congratulated the new officers and medal recipients.

“Joining their colleagues, the new officers will help transform the lives of those in our custody, reducing offending and making the community safer,” Deputy Commissioner McCahon said.

“Together, we will work to make the Townsville community safer, guided by the five principles of our 10-year road map, Corrections 2030 – safety, excellence, empowerment, accountability and respect.”

Some of the state’s most experienced officers were also recognised, with one officer receiving a Commissioner’s Award for Collaboration in Community Corrections, three officers received the Australian National Medal for a combined 55 years of diligent service and five officers received Long Service and Good Conduct Medals for their combined 110 years of service.

Townsville Correctional Complex Chief Superintendent, General Manager Louise Kneeshaw thanked the graduating officers and medal recipients for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to protecting the community.

“Corrective services officers are on the front line of public safety, dealing with the most challenging and complex people in Queensland. They perform a difficult role that requires significant personal resilience and commitment,” Chief Superintendent Kneeshaw said.

“Officers with this level of experience provide our newer officers with the confidence to guide them through the dynamic environments that are our prisons, helping to keep them safe,” Chief Superintendent Kneeshaw said.