Four Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) officers have been recognised for their distinguished service to community safety in the Queen's Birthday 2022 Honours List.
QCS Commissioner Paul Stuart APM said the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM), the highest possible honour in correctional services, was awarded to:
- Peter Coyne, Deputy General Manager, Escort and Security Branch
- Nicole Duke, Regional Manager, Brisbane Region Community Corrections
- Antony Tarlowski, Dog Squad Supervisor, Townsville Correctional Complex
- Robert Wood, Deputy General Manager, Brisbane Correctional Centre.
"It is a great privilege on behalf of everyone at Queensland Corrective Services to congratulate these officers for their outstanding service and commitment to public safety," Commissioner Stuart said.
"They have proven themselves to be exemplary role models for QCS and thoroughly deserve to receive the high honour of the Australian Corrections Medal."
Superintendent Peter Coyne has consistently demonstrated the importance of safety to staff, the community, and to those in custody during 19 years of distinguished service.
Throughout his QCS career, he has been responsible for strategically leading the delivery of secure and safe transportation and escort services of prisoners to and from correctional facilities, medical centres and courthouses.
Superintendent Nicole Duke has made a significant contribution to community safety over almost three decades with QCS.
Leading community corrections services in the Brisbane region, Superintendent Duke shows an unwavering commitment to reduce crime and improve safety in the community through the meaningful supervision and rehabilitation of offenders.
Antony Tarlowski has devoted most of his 35 years with QCS to the safety and security of the Townsville Correctional Complex.
As Correctional Supervisor of the Dog Squad, he develops and delivers emergency response and security measures at Townsville and across Queensland, and is responsible for training corrections dog teams across the state.
Superintendent Robert Wood has served QCS with an absolute dedication to duty, community safety and offender rehabilitation for more than 19 years, including playing a key role in the agency's recent transformation.
As Brisbane Correctional Centre Deputy General Manager, he continues to share his extensive knowledge of corrective services, criminal justice and government for the professional development of officers from all ranks, the benefit of QCS and ultimately the safety of the community.
The Australian Corrections Medal is awarded for distinguished service by an operational member of an Australian state or territory civilian correctional service.
Nominations are called twice a year to coincide with Australia Day and the Queen's Birthday celebrations.