Australia Day Medals

Townsville officers recognised for 600 collective years of service

Twenty Corrective Services Officers will be formally acknowledged for cumulative service of over 600 years’ service to public safety in a ceremony in Townsville tomorrow.

The officers will receive the Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal by Deputy Commissioner Custodial Operations Gary McCahon in Townsville.

Deputy Commissioner McCahon, who commenced his career as a custodial correctional officer at Townsville Correctional Centre 37 years ago said the medal recognised at least 10 years of diligent service.

“I am honoured to be able to recognise the hard work and commitment of these 20 officers over so many years,” Deputy Commissioner McCahon said.

“The collective experience and professionalism of these officers is a credit to them, both individually and as a group.

“Their ongoing commitment to community safety is truly admirable.

“The work of officers in custodial settings often goes unseen by the public, but the impact they make on the lives of those in our custody and care as well as the safety of the Queensland community is significant and worthy of formal recognition.

‘I am pleased to be here today as these officers are formally recognised, and I congratulate and thank them for all they do to keep us all safe,” Deputy Commissioner McCahon said.

General Manager Townsville Correctional Complex, Chief Superintendent Louise Kneeshaw, also a recipient of the award, said the group receiving the award reflects the diversity of QCS officers and the many roles they play on the front line of public safety.

“Our officers here in Townsville are passionate and committed to providing professional corrective services, and the broad representation across many different roles exemplifies the breadth of our organisation,” Ch Supt Kneeshaw said.

“This medal is a testament to their experience, expertise and commitment to the safety of Queensland, and I am so proud that we can recognise them in this way,” Ch Supt Kneeshaw said.

The Long Service and Good Conduct medal is awarded to Corrective Services Officers to recognise the long-term commitment to Queensland Corrective Services and public safety.

The Medal is awarded in recognition of 10, 20, 30 and 40 years of qualifying service.

 

MEDIA ALERT: 

WHAT: Twenty Corrective Services Officers will be formally acknowledged for their cumulative service of over 600 years’ service to public safety in a ceremony in Townsville tomorrow.

Officers will be awarded Queensland Corrective Services Long Service and Good Conduct Medal by Deputy Commissioner Custodial Operations Gary McCahon.

WHERE: Riverside Gardens Community Centre, 55 Riverside Boulevard, Douglas 4814

WHEN:  Friday 25 June 2021 at 10:00am