The Governor of Queensland, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, today conferred the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) on QCS officers Julie Steinheuer and Dennis Hayes at an investiture ceremony at Government House in Brisbane.
The ACM is awarded for distinguished service by an operational member of an Australian civilian correctional service and holds substantial significance within the Australian Honours System.
The medal was established in 2018, by recognition of Her Majesty, the Queen and was awarded for the first time last year. Ms Steinheuer and Mr Hayes are the third and fourth Queensland Corrective Service officers to receive the honour.
Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Martin APM said Ms Steinheuer and Mr Hayes were fitting recipients of the award.
"They represent the exceptional diligence, professionalism and distinguished service expected of a national award," Commissioner Martin said.
"Ms Steinheuer and Mr Hayes are exemplary officers, and demonstrate the professionalism, drive and commitment to delivering world-class corrective services which epitomises our workforce.
"I congratulate both of them on receiving the Australian Corrections Medal. Queensland Corrective Services is fortunate to have officers of their calibre amongst our ranks."
Ms Julie Steinheuer ACM
Deputy General Manager, Numinbah Correctional Centre
Ms Steinheuer, Deputy General Manager of Numinbah Correctional Centre was recognised for her diligent and distinguished service in the management of female prisoners in Queensland. She has 30 years' experience in corrections both in Queensland and New South Wales, and is responsible for more than 120 female prisoners on the 770 hectare farm at Numinbah.
Ms Steinheuer has developed a long and productive partnership with the Animal Welfare League, with low security prisoners assisting the group through community service, as well as fostering dogs and puppies at the centre as a part of the Pups in Prison program, which has shown considerable success in assisting with prisoners' rehabilitation.
Under Ms Steinheuer's leadership, the centre has partnered with Days for Girls, with prisoners sewing cloth packs which contain hygiene products for women in third world countries. The centre also works with Rotary to make birth packs including baby wraps, blankets and towels for newborn babies in Papua New Guinea. In 2017, Ms Steinheuer led the introduction of the Numinbah Parental Support Unit, allowing incarcerated women to keep their babies with them in prison.
Mr Dennis Hayes ACM
Special Operations Supervisor, Escort and Security Branch
Mr Hayes, Special Operations Supervisor of Escort and Security Branch, received the ACM in recognition of his consistently distinguished service to Queensland Corrective Services and the Queensland community.
Mr Hayes has demonstrated remarkable capability and professional service delivery to correctional practice for more than 28 years. He has consistently participated in significant operations, from escorting maximum security prisoners through to contributing to security at the Commonwealth Games and the G20 summit in Brisbane.
Mr Hayes played a vital role in coordinating the movement of more than 600 prisoners over and above business as usual as a part of Operation Elevate, when Southern Queensland Correctional Centre was converted from a male to female prison.
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