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16/05/2025 In Accountability, Brisbane Region, Central Region, Community Corrections and Specialist Operations, Corrections 2030 principles, Custodial Operations, Empowerment, Excellence, Far Northern Region, Media Release, Messages from the Commissioner, North Coast Region, Northern Region, Our people, Regions, Respect, Safety, South Coast Region, Southern Region

Shining a light on QCS officers: Queensland celebrates National Corrections Day (with audio grabs)

  • Queensland illuminates blue to mark National Corrections Day today (May 16).
  • National Corrections Day raises awareness about the critical work of correctional officers on the front line of public safety.
  • Several officers acknowledged for their dedication and professionalism.

Queensland illuminated blue today (May 16) to mark National Corrections Day (NCD).

The day acknowledges the work of corrections officers who contribute to public safety by rehabilitating and reforming offenders to keep communities safe and reduce crime.

Queensland Corrective Services is marking the day with a ceremony in Brisbane, recognising teams and individuals with awards reflecting the principles of safety, excellence, empowerment, respect, and accountability.

Several officers were also acknowledged for their dedication and professionalism, receiving the Meritorious and Ethical Service Medal.

Across the state, landmarks lit up blue to mark the special occasion.

Townsville city

Townsville sign, lit up in blue for National Corrections Day 2024.

 

From the Cairns Courthouse in Far Northern Queensland to Winton’s water tower in the state’s North West, Maryborough’s heritage listed City Hall in Central Queensland, and Parliament House in South East Queensland, councils acknowledged the important role of corrections by lighting landmarks in blue.

Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber said National Corrections Day is a chance to honour our dedicated correctional officers and the important role they play in protecting our communities.

“Making Queenslanders Safer is at the heart of my role as Minister and it’s at the core of what our Corrective Services Officers do every single day,” Minister Gerber said.

“I would like to recognise the outstanding work of our officers and the dedication and passion they’ve shown to building safer communities and protecting Queenslanders.

“The future of Queensland Corrective Services is strong and full of potential and together we can continue to work towards creating a safer State.”

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QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM said National Corrections Day offered the chance to acknowledge the work of officers involved in public safety, both in Queensland and throughout Australia.

“Our officers show remarkable resilience and commitment every day, and today we shine a light on that dedication and hard work,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“We proudly recognise individuals and teams whose work embodies the values of Corrections 2030, guiding us to protect the public and reform lives to ensure there are fewer victims of crime.

“National Corrections Day is about honouring those who have excelled in their roles. “I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our officers for the difference they make in keeping our communities safe.”

Maryborough City Hall, lit up in blue for National Corrections Day 2024.

 

In addition to NCD celebrations, several female officers were recognised for their contributions in making Queensland safe as part of the International Women’s Day Awards, which were unavoidably delayed by ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.

Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber congratulated the award recipients and thanked those who nominated their colleagues.

“I’d like to congratulate the extraordinary women for their dedication and commitment to shape and influence the future of Queensland Corrective Services,” Minister Gerber said.

“Their leadership, achievements and hard work is an inspiration to all Queenslanders, and I am thrilled their efforts are being acknowledged.”
Commissioner Stewart APM said the women recognised had proven their impact on Queensland’s safety.

“Queensland Corrective Services is proud to celebrate the invaluable contributions of women, who make up nearly half of our workforce,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“We are recognising those who have gone above and beyond for others, who lead with integrity, and who make an enduring impact within corrections.

“The remarkable women nominated for these awards are all leading by example – they are breaking down barriers, paving the way for others, and creating a more inclusive and diverse environment within our work force.

“This year we received nearly 140 nominations for these awards – almost three times as many as last year – and it’s heartening to see people eager to recognise their colleagues for the excellent work they do to reform offenders and make Queensland safer.

“I congratulate these deserving women for their commitment to lead, innovate and shape the future of QCS as part of our professional, skilled and dedicated work force.”

 

Audio grabs below from QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM:

National Corrections Day explained:

 

QCS’ presence in communities across Queensland:

 

Diversity of officers reflects our communities:

 

Wellbeing of QCS Officers:

 

Happy National Corrections Day to everyone!:

 

LIST OF LANDMARKS LIGHTING UP

Far North Region

Cairns Regional Council

  • Cairns Courthouse building

 

Mareeba

  • Lights in park on Main Street

 

Normanton/Carpentaria Shire Council

  • Krys the Croc
  • Normanton Town Centre sign
  • Karumba Town Centre sign

 

Northern Region

Townsville Regional Council

  • Townsville sign
  • Victoria Bridge
  • Wharton Reef Lighthouse
  • George Roberts Bridge
  • Old Magistrates Court House
  • Flinders Square
  • Central Park Boardwalk
  • Little Fletcher Bridge

 

Mackay

  • Sir Albert Abbott Administration Building

 

Central Region

Winton Shire Council

  • Water tower
  • Elderslie Street lights will be blue

 

Rockhampton Regional Council

  • The Heritage Buildings along Quay Street between Fitzroy Street and William Street

 

Fraser Coast Regional Council

  • Maryborough City Hall

 

Bundaberg

  • The School of Arts Building

 

North Coast Region

  • The Big Kangaroo, Traveston
  • Crocodile Hunter Lodge, Australia Zoo

 

Moreton Bay Regional Council

  • Humpybong Creek Fountain
  • Scarborough Seat
  • Redcliffe Admin Building
  • Petrie Mill site

 

Southern Region

  • The Peanut Company – Silos

 

Western Downs Regional Council

  • Image on billboard
  • Lights blue around district

 

Toowoomba Regional Council

  • Victoria Street Bridge
  • The Annex in Toowoomba

 

Lockyer Valley Regional Council

  • LVRC Gatton Administration Building
  • Town Clock
  • Laidley Cultural Centre

 

Kingaroy/Dalby

  • Western Downs Regional Building
  • The billboard
  • Mary’s Place Park
  • Charles Drew Bridge
  • The Chinchilla Bridge
  • The Silo (Bega Towers)

 

Roma

  • Roma CBD and bottle trees
  • The Big Rig

 

Dalby

  • The Charles Drew Bridge

 

South Coast Region

Logan City Council

  • Wineglass Water Tower in Hillcrest

ENDS.

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