Queensland Corrective Services officers receive prestigious honour for exceptional service
- Three Queensland Corrective Services officers receive prestigious Australian Corrections Medal (ACM)
- Officers recognised for their leadership and innovative approaches to creating stronger, safer communities
- The ACM recognises distinguished service by an operational member of an Australian state or territory civilian corrections service for adults.
Three Queensland Corrective Services officers have been recognised in the Australia Day 2024 Honours list receiving the Australian Corrections Medal.
Superintendent Stephen Wright, Acting Deputy General Manager, Ms Renee Rieson, Correctional Supervisor and Mr Geoffrey Robins, District Manager Community Corrections were named in the honours list for distinguished service by an operational member of an Australian state or territory corrections service for adults.
Minister for Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery, Nikki Boyd MP congratulated the officers for their commitment to keeping Queensland communities safe.
“I want to commend these three incredible, worthy recipients of the coveted Australian Corrections Medals,” Minister Boyd said.
“The work that they do every day to keep communities safe is extraordinary, and their contribution has led to positive changes and outcomes for people in QCS’ care.
“Today we shine a spotlight on their outstanding efforts towards keeping public safety at the forefront and for going above and beyond the call of duty. I congratulate them on their remarkable achievement.”
QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM congratulated the officers for their service and dedication to the top tier public safety agency.
“I am incredibly proud of the impact our officers make in our community and the commitment to the people of Queensland,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“Corrections is challenging work but our officers, through their unwavering leadership, work tirelessly every day to improve the lives of those in their care to ensure communities are safe.
“On behalf of all QCS officers, congratulations to Stephen, Renee and Geoff for their outstanding commitment in creating stronger and safer communities.”
This year the three recipients from QCS are:
Mr Stephen Wright is a dedicated and respected corrections professional with a career spanning over three decades.
Photo: Superintendent Stephen Wright
He has showcased exemplary leadership skills and has been instrumental in driving cultural change within the correctional system, prioritising safety, and fostering a supportive environment, along with his genuine concern for rehabilitation and well-being of prisoners. As acting Deputy General Manager at Wolston Correctional Centre, he has contributed to highly regarded bespoke service delivery models which have significantly lowered incident rates within the centre. During COVID-19, he played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both officers and prisoners. Mr Wright is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment, and is motivated by the goal of treating prisoners humanely.
Ms Renee Rieson commenced with Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) in 2007. She has served in a range of frontline roles at Capricornia Correctional Centre and was involved in commissioning new infrastructure during its expansion.
Photo: Correctional Supervisor Renee Rieson
As a senior training officer with the QCS Academy, Ms Riesen has trained 259 recruits and helped develop the Aspiring Supervisors Development Program which focuses on leadership skills and prepares custodial correctional officers who aspire to the rank of correctional supervisor. Ms Rieson has served with distinction and made a significant contribution to the safety and wellbeing of Central Queensland communities throughout her 15-year career. Her leadership and decision making ensures the safety, security and good order of the prison and her support and development of frontline officers has provided an enduring benefit to QCS.
Mr Geoffrey Robins commenced with Queensland Corrective Services in November 2008 in Far Northern Region Community Corrections as a reporting officer, rural and remote case manager, assessment officer and probation and parole supervisor at the Cairns Community Corrections district office before moving to Weipa Community Corrections as district manager.
Photo: Community Corrections District Manager Geoff Robins
Mr Robins has extensive experience working in remote communities and is currently responsible for overseeing the supervision of offenders living across a disperse geographic region. He is recognised as an authentic leader and for his strong support for safer community service delivery in remote communities and promoting a culturally safe environment.
ENDS