Queensland Corrective Services welcomed 39 new officers and celebrated 17 officers with more than 345 years of combined experience at a ceremony at Wacol yesterday.
The 39 new custodial correctional officers were inducted into their vital roles on the front line of public safety at the Queensland Corrective Services Academy.
Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Paul Stewart APM attended the ceremony to commend the important role they play in community safety across the state.
"Queensland communities are safer thanks to the hard work of all officers in preventing re-offending and helping offenders lead crime-free lives, and I thank you for that," Commissioner Stewart said.
"It's wonderful to be able to acknowledge the dedication and important work of all officers.
"Queensland Corrective Services custodial correctional officers perform a vital and often unseen role, working to protect the safety of all Queenslanders, and I welcome our newest officers," Commissioner Stewart said.
The new officers will be posted at two correctional centres in south east Queensland, including:
- 37 officers to the Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre
- two officers to the Woodford Correctional Centre.
Some of the state's most experienced officers were also recognised, with five receiving the Australian National Medal for a combined 65 years of diligent service alongside 12 officers receiving Long Service and Good Conduct Medals for their combined 250 years of service.
Commissioner Stewart commended the long-serving officers from the Borallon Training, Numinbah, Wolston, Brisbane, Woodford and Arthur Gorrie correctional centres, and the People Capability Command on their long-standing commitment to their roles.
"Queensland Corrective Services officers deal with the most challenging and complex people in Queensland society," Commissioner Stewart said.
"To perform that role for decades requires remarkable personal resilience and an absolute commitment to public safety.
"It is hard to fathom just how many lives these officers have turned around, how many crimes they prevented from occurring, and how many families have a brighter future thanks to their ongoing commitment to rehabilitation of prisoners and the safety and security of our centres.
"Just as importantly, officers with this level of lived experience provide our newer officers with a steady hand and a wise ear to guide them through the dynamic environments that are our prisons, helping to keep them safe, and I thank them for their commitment to public safety," Commissioner Stewart said.
