QCS Officers awarded Australian Corrections Medal as part of Queens Birthday celebrations

Two Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) officers have been awarded with the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) and one former QCS officer has been awarded an Order of Australia medal (OAM) as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Commissioner Peter Martin APM said the Australian Corrections Medal and the Order of Australia medal celebrate the important work that correctional officers do to keep their communities safe.

“I am extremely proud to officially congratulate this year’s recipients of the Australian Corrections Medal; Ms Gabriel Payne and Mr Darryll Fleming and former officer Ms Kerrith McDermott.” Commissioner Martin said.

“Regional Manager, Superintendent Gabriel Payne is being recognised for her dedication to improving operational service delivery in remote communities, enhancing coordinated response to addressing domestic and family violence and reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with the criminal justice system over her 21-year career.”

“Chief Superintendent Darryll Fleming is being recognised for his dedication and commitment to the QCS and people of Queensland over 31 years in prisons and for always supporting a culture of excellence through professional practice, staff development and staff performance.”

“Former Deputy Commissioner and Acting Commissioner Kerrith McDermott served with the QCS for 23 years and was a pioneer for the advancement of women in corrections and the public sector. In her 34 years or public service, she mentored and developed staff across correctional portfolios and was a supporter of equal opportunity.”

“One of my priorities as Commissioner has been to formally recognise and celebrate the excellent work of our greatest assets; our people.” Commissioner Martin said.

“As we continue to position ourselves as a forward thinking, top-tier public safety agency, it is  to vital that we look to the guiding principles of Corrections 2030 and recognise and celebrate the excellence of our officers.”

Established in 2017, the ACM is awarded every year on Australia Day and the Queen’s Birthday (June) for distinguished service by correctional officers across Australia.

The Australian Corrections Medal features the Federation Star and bears the scales of justice and is surrounded by a laurel of Australian wattle.

The Order of Australia recognises Australian who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.

Superintendent Gabriel Payne

Chief Superintendent Darryll Fleming

Former Deputy Commissioner Kerrith McDermott