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QCS officers recognised in Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List

Officers from Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List, receiving the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) for their diligent and distinguished service to public safety.

General Manager of Borallon Training and Correctional Centre (Borallon), Peter Henderson, was one of two officers recognised. The other was Central region’s Sentence Management Services Regional Manager, Daryl Richter.

The officers are the fifth and sixth recipients of the prestigious ACM, with the first awarded only last year.

Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Martin APM said Mr Henderson was recognised for his distinguished service to QCS and the community.

“Mr Henderson is responsible for more than 700 male prisoners in the high-security facility, successfully operating Queensland’s first co-designed prisoner management model.

“Under the leadership of Mr Henderson, Borallon provides prisoners with the best chance for positive change by focussing on rehabilitation through education, training and employment in an effort to break the cycle of re-offending, with more than half of the prison population engaged in education through the on-site TAFE campus, employment or both.

“Prisoners are given an opportunity to gain key life and vocational skills in various areas to prepare them for release, whether through employment to manufacture steel frames or through TAFE courses, such as horticulture, engineering, construction, automotive and kitchen operations.

“Mr Henderson is also responsible for about 150 prisoners at the low-security Palen Creek Correctional Centre and preparing the South-East Queensland work camps to support Disaster Response Recovery arrangements when necessary,” Commissioner Martin said.

Commissioner Martin said Mr Richter, also recognised for his distinguished services to QCS and the community, was a leader and provided a high-level of service in a complex and challenging environment.

“Mr Richter is highly-regarded by those both internal and external to QCS for his open and fair approach to his role.

“He has been vital in establishing key relationships that help break down barriers and achieve outcomes, while assisting prisoners with developing positive behaviours and attitudes to reduce their chances of reoffending.

“As a result of his commitment, the Capricornia Correctional Centre Sentence Management Services team is the highest performing team in Queensland thanks to the leadership of Mr Richter,” he said.

Commissioner Martin said both officers were outstanding role models for their commitment and service to QCS and the community.

“Mr Henderson and Mr Richter have demonstrated their ability to go above and beyond in their roles, which is evident by their successes.

“I want to congratulate both officers on their warranted recognition – they are deserving of the honourable ACM,” he said.

The ACM is the highest recognition possible for officers undertaking the vital role of ensuring public safety.