- 2023 Commissioner's Awards for Excellence announced.
- Officers acknowledged for epitomising the very best in corrections.
- Now in its fifth year, the Awards have recognised close to 60 individuals, teams and projects which have demonstrated excellence in their efforts to keep communities safe.
Queensland Corrective Services has recognised exceptional public safety work at the 2023 Commissioner's Awards for Excellence at a ceremony in Brisbane.
Now in its fifth year, the winners were announced across five categories: Safety, Collaboration, Empowerment, Respect and Accountability, with the winners epitomising the very best in corrections.
Among those recognised were initiatives aimed at addressing complex sexual offending issues within Indigenous communities, breaking down cultural barriers and building understanding of the over representation of First Nations prisoners across correctional centres.
The overall Excellence Award went to Kombi Clinic for collaborating with correctional centres and community corrections offices across the state to prevent, treat and raise awareness about Hepatitis C.
Quotes attributable to the Honourable Mark Ryan, Minister for Police and Corrective Services:
"The work officers and staff do in corrections often go unseen, but these awards give us a chance to pause and appreciate the challenging and complex work they do each day, to keep our communities safe.
"I am honoured to shine a spotlight on all the award recipients who have gone above and beyond their call of duty to help make a difference."
Quotes attributable to Mr Paul Stewart APM, Commissioner, Queensland Corrective Services:
"Congratulations to all the award recipients this year. Their achievements demonstrate the passion they have in their role while upholding the core work of our agency - keeping Queensland safe.
"Corrections work is challenging so it's important we celebrate the individuals, teams and partnerships, who have excelled in their field of work in the past 12 months and appreciate the difference their work is making across the public safety agency."
Commissioner's Awards for Excellence AWARD RECIPIENTS:
OVERALL AWARD WINNER
Hepatitis C Program in Collaboration with the Kombi Clinic and Queensland Health
Recognised for exceptional efforts in preventing, treating and raising awareness about Hepatitis C. This vital work aims to educate individuals and eradicate the spread of the disease.
Safety
Winner – Borallon Training and Correctional Centre Intelligence Team
Recognised for producing intelligence, which has increased safety and security of all staff and prisoners at BTCC.
Collaboration
Winner – Sexual Offending Indigenous Males Program Rewrite project
Recognised for paving the way for significant advancements in addressing complex sexual offending issues within the indigenous community. The team has worked closely with various internal and external stakeholders, including the University of the Sunshine Coast's Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit.
Empowerment
Winner - Queensland Corrective Services Academy Alignment Training
Recognised for the implementation and delivery of Alignment training. QCSA Alignment Team has contributed to the advancement of evidence-based practices and the overall success of the public safety agency.
Respect
Winner - Maryborough Correctional Centre and Custodial Officer Entry Program trainers
Recognised for working with the Cherbourg Ration Shed Museum and incorporating participation in the museum tour for QCS COEP recruits, the MCC Management Team, and associated partners in Community Corrections to help break down barriers and build understanding of the over-representation of First Nations people in the criminal justice system.
Accountability
Winner - Southern Queensland Correctional Centre Induction Hub
Recognised for implementing a multi-modal induction program to showcase innovation, openness to change and ability to adapt to the needs of prisoners. The team increased safety within the correctional centre and created a natural environment to encourage collaboration and empowerment particularly for female prisoners.
