Corrections News - National Corrections Day - Queensland Corrective Services
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March
2018 Corrections
News
National
Corrections Day
The project changing the
face of Aurukun
Meet the Smart Pups
improving the lives of
children with disability
Robert Wood
Editor
Alex Burton
Designer and Content Editor
Sophie Frayne
Writer
Front cover: Geoff Robins and Stuart
Marquardt are making a difference in Peter Martin APM
Aurukun. Read more on page 13. Commissioner
Queensland Corrective Services
Corrections News is published by the
Office of the Commissioner
Queensland Corrective Services
It is with great pleasure that I pen my first column for
Corrections News; an important publication showcasing
GPO Box 1054 the excellent work occurring across Queensland thanks
State Law Building, 50 Ann Street to our valued and committed staff State-wide.
Brisbane QLD 4001
(07) 3239 3158 Since being appointed as Commissioner, I have travelled
corrections.news@dcs.qld.gov.au extensively across Queensland and met many of you
http://news.correctiveservices.qld.gov.au
working within our great organisation. I wish to thank
Inside this issue
each of you once again for your warm welcome, and for
your hard work, which contributes daily to the safety of
Queenslanders.
3 National Corrections Day
wrap up
16 Darryl Gracie
Field Supervisor, Innisfail Work
While continuing to deliver our important work, we have
taken the time to pause and celebrate our significant
contribution to keeping Queensland safe.
Camp
5 Lynne McNairn
Violence Prevention Coordinator, Dianna Podetti
On 26 January, we paid special tribute to two of our
colleagues, Mr Leslie Elliott and Ms Ursula Roeder, who
were announced as recipients of the inaugural award of
Wolston Correctional Centre Case Manager, Gympie Probation
the Australian Corrections Medal.
and Parole Service
7 Jacinta Marshall
District Manager, Mt Isa Probation
17 Meet our new recruits
We celebrated National Corrections Day on 19 January,
acknowledging the remarkable work of our staff across
and Parole Service Queensland, and this issue is dedicated to showcasing a
cross-section of our officers who protect the community
8 John Sullivan
Custodial Correctional Officer,
19 Our Research and
Evaluation Unit
every day.
Wednesday 21 February marked 100 days since I started
Wolston Correctional Centre
20
in my role. I took this opportunity to reflect on what
The Maryborough we have achieved, and where we are going as a newly
9 Jordan Cotter
Senior Case Manager, Brisbane
Correctional Centre
assistance program
formed department in our own right. It has been 100
days of unprecedented change and growth, and we are
Central Probation and Parole improving the lives of undertaking a structural review to ensure we are ready for
future challenges.
children with disabilities
11 Focus on: Far Northern I’d like to thank those of you who took the time to have
21
Queensland Our Records Management your say in the recent staff survey. You understand our
The importance of cultural business better than anyone, and your feedback will
connectedness at the Lotus Glen Unit be important in guiding the organisation-wide 10 year
Correctional Centre strategic plan which will form the blueprint for our future.
The project changing the face of 22 Tony Goodall
Correctional Supervisor Please enjoy the March edition of Corrections News.
Aurukun Wolston Correctional Centre
Peter Martin APM
Apunipima Cape York Health Commissioner
Council Queensland Corrective Services
page page
3 Queensland Corrective Services 4
Machinery of
Officers from the Ipswich Probation and
Parole Service celebrated with service
providers Ted Noffs Foundation, Micah
Northern Regional Manager Teena Ingram and Townsville Correctional
Complex General Manager Peter Hall at the centre’s open media call.
National Government changes
Corrections
Projects and YourTown.
QCS has commenced the need to be completed over the
Day 2018 process of establishing itself
as a department in its own
right, following changes to the
next few months.
Some of these actions have
machinery of government after already been delivered,
In May 2017, the Corrective Services the 2017 State Election. including issuing new
Administrators’ Council (CSAC) approved delegations, acquiring an ABN
the establishment of an annual National The Governor in Council issued and establishing a number of
Corrections Day to be celebrated on the an Administrative Arrangements critical leadership positions for
third Friday of January each year. Order on 21 December 2017 to our new functions. QCS will also
confirm that QCS would become continue to be a White Ribbon
On 19 January 2018, Australia celebrated a separate department headed accredited workplace.
by the Commissioner as chief
its inaugural National Corrections Day.
executive. Other tasks to be undertaken
over the coming months
The purpose of National Corrections Day Negotiations commenced include reviewing corporate
is to highlight the work of our officers immediately with the policies, separating information
that often goes on unseen by the general Department of Justice and technology systems and re-
public. Attorney-General (DJAG) to arranging office locations.
identify the number of corporate
In the week leading up to National staff and other associated Functions and staff will
Corrections Day, many of our district resources to transfer to the new gradually transfer across to
offices, correctional centres and department. QCS from DJAG once a formal
agreement is signed between
business units celebrated with
Mr Tom Humphreys, normally the two departments.
breakfasts, barbecues and other events General Manager of Strategy
Townsville Senior Case Manager Lauren Bradford, Northern Regional Manager
Teena Ingram, Townsville General Manager Peter Hall, Deputy Speaker and to pay tribute to the work all QCS staff do and Governance, has conducted “The goal is to ensure the
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart MP, CERT Leader Phil Foley, Vocational Trainer Commissioner Martin addressed the Woodford Correctional Centre officers at to keep Queensland safe. the negotiations on behalf of transition occurs with minimal
Tamara Cook, and Townsville Deputy General Manager Kris Winter. their celebration.
QCS. disruption to corporate services
Academy officers Flora Cheng, Irene Parfitt- Manager, Offender Development Jared Fielding and Staying Safe Coordinator This year, the media was invited to or operational areas,” said Mr
McMillan, Bret Sammut, Jenny Bennett, Tasmin Peter Copland received awards at the Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre. “It’s an exciting time for QCS,” Humphreys.
Rogers and Toni Browning received awards. open calls at the Townsville Women’s
Correctional Centre and the Numinbah Mr Humphreys said. “Being part
Correctional Centre to build local of DJAG was a great opportunity The machinery of government
community awareness. to deepen our engagement changes affect most
with our colleagues across government departments,
the criminal justice system. which has resulted in some staff
We also undertook a social media Becoming a department already joining QCS from other
campaign to highlight and “myth bust” will allow us to better focus areas of government. Mr Don
some key topics, with the theme of on the current needs of the Sfiligoj was first aboard, joining
#CorrectionsUpClose, which was popular correctional system and how QCS in January as the Cabinet
with the general public. it needs to develop over the Legislation and Liaison Officer
longer term.” (CLLO) from the Department of
Congratulations to all staff for their Environment and Science.
involvement in contributing to the “Our departmental status
success of Corrections Day and those reflects that we are dealing Don is responsible for
with some of the most complex coordinating the department’s
Commissioner Martin and Meaghan Scanlon MP presented staff awarded for going above and
Custodial Correctional Officer Benjamin Simpson with his award at issues in our society.” advice on submissions to
the Numinbah Correctional Centre. beyond in their roles. Cabinet and ensuring the
The functions to transfer from Commissioner and Minister are
This issue of Corrections News is DJAG include elements of fully briefed on matters being
dedicated to profiling some of our human resources, finance, considered by Cabinet.
officers who protect our community every facilities, information
day. technology, media and “I’ve appreciated the warm
communication services, ethical welcome I’ve received from
We take this opportunity to recognise standards, internal audit, and my new colleagues in QCS,”
and acknowledge the work of all of our legal and right to information Don said. “I’m quickly learning
and privacy services. A that corrective services is a
colleagues in delivering world-class
transition plan has been fascinating area of government
corrective services. developed to capture the many with many unique challenges.”
General Manager Peter Henderson, Reception Store Officer Andrew Koubek,
small and large tasks that will
and Jim Madden MP at the Borallon Training and Correctional Centre.
page page
5 6
the latest
Programs teaching inner
peace, strength, choice
and appreciation are
achieving real results for
some of Queensland’s
most violent prisoners,
with the assistance of
dedicated Queensland Lynne McNairn
Corrective Services Violence Prevention Coordinator
administrators. Wolston Correctional Centre
Luke* landed in the high security “I was too young to make the Luke started the Peace Education With Lynne’s assistance, and the Lynne said she remembered the day Lynne said finding work and making
Wolston Correctional Centre, in connection when the robberies flashed Program, which runs once a week support of Custodial Correctional when she realised Luke had changed. friends that way could be a good start.
Brisbane’s west, after his “desperate” up on the news that night.” for two hours, on top of additional Officers, Luke has become sober in “A prisoner tried to fight Luke. But Luke Luke turned toward the window
$2000-a-day heroin addiction led him intensive rehabilitative commitments. prison and learned to control his violent just put his hands up and said ‘I don’t overlooking the yard. “Eventually I
to steal tens of thousands of dollars Luke is successfully addressing the The fact that she has a list of behaviour. want to do this’ and basically walked want to be a builder and do home
during armed robberies. behavioural problems that led him to prisoners waiting to attend the away,” she recalled. renovations. Create a company. Make
be placed in the correctional centre, opt-in course which teaches self- “I’ve been to a few prisons and I didn’t old things new again.
Luke is now mid-40 and “clean as a with the assistance of education and reflection, contentment, hope, even know that Violence Prevention “That’s when the lightbulb flicked on,”
whistle” as he completes year 9 of high programs officers and custodial staff. and understanding, speaks to its Coordinators existed,” Luke said. Luke said. “I’d never turned down a “I have a two-year plan that Lynne and
school inside the Wolston Correctional Luke said when he met Violence effectiveness, she said. fight, but I was sick of it. Basically I the custodial officers helped me with.
Centre. Prevention Coordinator Lynne McNairn “I thought it was the biggest load of walked to the education office, threw I’ll go to TAFE, and learn how tax works,
(pictured above), at Wolston, he was “a “Since March 2017, we’ve seen 143 crap,” he said. “But I kept going to up my hands and said ‘put me down for learn how business works. All of that.”
“Mum gave birth to me when she was mess.” prisoners successfully through the the courses because Lynne made all the education classes!’” Lynne explained that Luke will soon
14,” Luke began. “Because she was Peace Education Program at Wolston,” time for people who want to improve have a Re-Entry Advisor assigned
only a kid herself, I lived between my “I was having a fight with another Lynne said. themselves. It was the first time in my “The program officers looked at me like to his case, whose job is to liaise
grandparents’ and mum’s place. prisoner and I walked up to Lynne and life anyone had cared about me. I had two heads. But in a good way. with external providers and provide
said ‘Miss, just to let you know, I am “Of those 143, 76 were in custody for They said ‘absolutely, mate, let’s do it.’ specialised support upon his release
“At my grandparents, my clothes were probably going to pull that bloke’s eye violent offences. Since completing the “One day I realised I enjoyed the and in the months after. On top of that,
cleaned, bills were paid, and dinner out of his socket’.” course, we’ve had just two per cent of program. So I opted-in to counselling “So now I’m doing year 9, a drug and he’ll have an assigned parole case
was on the table. that cohort involved in incidents. That’s too, and psychology, and got alcohol course and counselling.” manager to monitor his progress.
Lynne has seen almost 150 prisoners down from the 30 per cent who were diagnosed properly.
“At mum’s, there was nothing but through the Peace Education Program, involved in custodial incidents prior to Luke has been sober for many months “I speak to my sister and my nephews
heroin and guns. It was a real Jekyll and part of the suite of services assisting in the course.” “Then I started to understand how which forced him to re-think his every day on the phone. My nephews
Hyde upbringing,” he said. rehabilitating some of the state’s most other people might have also got relationships. told me their heroes are Batman and
violent men. Lynne said Luke was an example of conditions – you know, like Post the Hulk... That made me happy,
Luke said he grew up being babysat by what the program can do for prisoners Traumatic Stress Disorder – from my “My connections have been bound by because when I was that age, I looked
his mother’s friends, all ex-prisoners. “He said exactly that,” Lynne who want to help themselves. actions. I read victim impact statements drugs and theft so I’ve got no friends up to murderers and armed robbers.”
“They were the only role models I had. confirmed. “And I thought ‘right, this and cried. to turn to when I get out. I call my old
I’ve got memories of helping them needs to change’. So I told him he “Since opting-in to rehabilitative friends ‘drug addict people’ because
unload ‘presents’ from the back of should start having meetings with me, courses, Luke has had no altercations “I had never thought about other they’re not real friends, you know? I
the van and handing them to the kids starting that afternoon, to work through in two years. This is someone who was people. Actually…” he corrected need to find new friends. How do you
– surf clothes and stuff. It was like these issues.” involved in incidents on an almost- himself. “In fact I’ve never cared about make friends? Is it easy?” he asked,
Christmas. weekly basis.” others, until recently.” genuinely. *Name changed for confidentiality
page page
7 8
Jacinta Marshall expert-level” skills after managing
many complex cases in the region.
District Manager
Mt Isa Probation and Parole “My greatest personal and
Service professional challenge has been
working in my own community. Being
“I had no idea what probation and local and holding many links to the
parole was when I handed in my community can make the work difficult
resume,” explained Jacinta. “All I knew at times, and does require careful
was that I desperately wanted to help consideration in some instances.”
my own community through my work.
Jacinta explained that probation
“When I got the job, it didn’t take me and parole officers must value
long to realise that probation and
John Sullivan
relationships, value people’s lives,
parole – in my own backyard – was the and be willing to “problem solve” for
perfect role for me.” offenders.
Since 2012, Jacinta has worked at Mt “Certainly probation and parole
Custodial Correctional Officer
Isa Probation and Parole where she
assists and manages cases with a
officers must be able to think Wolston Correctional Centre
creatively in relation to offenders.
“predominantly” domestic and family
violence (DFV) offender population. “We want offenders to embrace
opportunity to achieve success, “After 29 years in corrections, you in; they were bus drivers, they were prisoners contributed and gave “I’ve run into prisoners out in the
“Violence in general is the most and we want to see these people could say I’m a workaholic. I love store workers - they were found all something back.” community before. They’ve approached
common profile for the area, with complete their necessary orders while the challenge of working in QCS, throughout society. It was important me, and we’ve spoken. They thanked
cohorts of sexual offending and drug- contributing something valuable to and coming to this job is a challenge to explain that prisoners come from When asked about his return to high- me for the guidance and support.
related offending,” Jacinta said. themselves and the community. every day,” says Wolston Custodial everywhere and from all walks of life, security correctional centre, Wolston, That’s when I believe I’ve seen a
Correctional Officer, John Sullivan. and that giving them skills and the after spending so long at the work change, when they can genuinely and
“As probation and parole officers, “Occasions where we can see our work opportunity to learn and rehabilitate camps, John says “there are many ways respectfully come to you out in society
we are trained in conflict resolution, “I originally worked as an officer at the makes for a better society.” prisoners can change their lives,”. and say thanks, before going on their
making a difference makes our job
defusing difficult situations, sex Boggo Road Gaol. After its closure, way.
worthwhile.”
offender management and addressing I commenced on the Prison Work John spent a lot of time in Warwick “I encourage prisoners to ‘get in’ and
DFV. Program in the mid-1990s. Being a building the Women’s Work Camp. “I do what they can during their time “I cherish my job. People in this job
Jacinta said she loved Mt Isa and Work Camp Supervisor meant that I was managed around seven prisoners who here. That might mean education, can, and do, make a difference, and
would encourage anyone “wanting to overseeing groups of prisoners who carried out the project’s building work. or learning a trade, or completing that’s the thing that keeps me coming
“I’ve used this training and experience assist the community, to learn, and
to help a cohort of people that are were assigned to various building tasks We taught prisoners employment skills substance programs. It’s there for back.
learn quickly,” to consider probation across Queensland,” he explains. that they could carry with them forever. the willing and for those who want to
important to me. Reducing the over- and parole. change their path. “I believe that people should be
representation of Aboriginal and
In addition to management of “The prisoners I managed fenced thankful for employment, full stop. In
Torres Strait Islander people in the “My favourite thing about Mount Isa prisoners, part of John’s role was to the Killarney showgrounds, as well “Many prisoners have never had an corrections, you have the opportunity
probation and parole system is one of in particular is the mix between a explain to members of the public how as the Gatton Showgrounds, among education outside a correctional centre. to change people’s lives for the better,
my goals.” bit of a city feel with the comforts of work camps gave prisoners a second many other projects. We built ramps, That contributes a lot to how a person and you’re challenged every day, so I’m
restaurants and entertainment with chance to prove themselves, and to structures and other community grows and matures, and ends up in especially grateful for a job like this,”
Jacinta said trying to offer a better the proximity of the outdoors. You give something back. objects. prison. There are many 50-year-old he says.
future for people in her community could literally drive 10 minutes out of prisoners here who are learning how to
was her priority, and that working town and get lost in the outback. That “The prisoners were from the very “The public could see how hard read and write.
remotely has given her “broad and is what I love.” community that they were working we were working to make sure that
page page
9 10
our people
Our Probation and Parole Service
is focused on the supervision and
surveillance of offenders released
into the community
Our officers supervise 20,000
offenders in the community across
seven regions within Queensland
and deliver a suite of rehabilitation
and intervention programs.
Jordan Cotter “That was the aggrieved on the phone
meeting, Jordan says many of the
issues probation and parole deal with
meets with some of the more complex
cases managed by Brisbane Central
friend, but starting to get the money
together for a space at a caravan park.
enables him to apply for rent, and get a
mobile phone - things like that.”
Senior Case Manager explaining that the offender was caught are “domestic violence-related”. Probation and Parole, including Craig*. His situation is complicated by his
Brisbane Central Probation and on a drug-induced vehicle rampage relationship with his partner, a heavy “There might be a relapse. But the
Parole Service and arrested after testing positive to “The prevalence of domestic violence Craig is homeless and has been in and drug user, Jordan says. seed is now planted. If you consider
methamphetamine. hasn’t increased, I believe, but it’s out of prison over a decade. His original this,” pointing to the document with
At the Brisbane Central Probation better reported now. There’s more charge was for a violent assault. There Like many other offenders, Craig has proof of his attendance at the drug and
and Parole District Office, Senior “My role from here is to recommend a knowledge around what constitutes have been several charges in the years been confronted with significant health alcohol course. “This is evidence of
Case Manager Jordan Cotter is typing course of action; the priority being the domestic violence,” Jordan says. since. issues. He is Hepatitis C positive and engagement.
hurriedly while on the phone. safety of the aggrieved. The aggrieved Jordan is working with Queensland
has assured me he has not gone near “Decades ago, domestic violence Listening to Craig is like listening to Health to organise a treatment plan. “It’s a big deal for someone with
“Sorry, he’s running a bit late,” said her, therefore he is respecting the was considered a ‘civil matter’ and a muffled 1970s radio. It’s a mixture “I really want to make it all the way this literally no resources, no home, to put
one of the other officers. “There’s been Domestic Violence Order (DVO) and something that occurred behind closed of drugs, upbringing and medication, time, Jordan.” in the effort to attend this course that
an urgent matter with an offender. hence she’s happy to speak with me. doors. People turned a blind eye. according to Jordan. we asked him to complete. It’s a big
He’s on the phone speaking to the ex- “That’s great to hear, Craig. I want you step. It shows he really wants to help
partner.” “Together, she and I have agreed on “Now it’s viewed as a criminal matter “So Craig, how are you going?” asks to make it all the way, too. You’re doing himself.”
a recommended plan including GPS – which is exactly what it is. There’s Jordan. This is Jordan’s fifth meeting everything right so far. Let’s keep it up.
Already, it’s clear that the matter electronic monitoring among other more support available and victims – with Craig since his release from a See you in a couple of weeks.” Jordan said the remainder of his day
concerns one of Queensland’s biggest recommendations. I’ll put this case even witnesses – are more confident in correctional centre. consists of another offender meeting,
hidden crimes: domestic violence. together and send to the Parole Board coming forward. Jordan explains Craig had never ‘made a few phone calls with stakeholders,
Jordan, one of more than 860 probation Queensland for review and approval.” Craig explains to Jordan that he it through’ an order. There was always check-ups on curfews and the
and parole officers working in 34 “Increasingly, we can reach people who has reached a one-month sobriety a relapse. But he’d received an email placement of a GPS monitor on a man
Queensland district offices, confirms It’s an intense introduction to one are isolated; for instance, if a homeless milestone. He reaches into his pocket from CREST (Community Re-Entry in his mid-20s.
this. of Queensland Corrective Services’ domestic violence victim is coming out to unravel a sheet of paper, handing it Services Team) that morning with an
equally intense, yet unsung, roles. of custody, we are able to discreetly to Jordan. alert that Craig had been approved for “This role has opened my eyes to the
“Historically, this man has doused his Jordan says the best part of his job organise short-term accommodation for the additional support he needs. world. I get to work in an interesting
partner in lighter fluid, set her alight is “witnessing rehabilitation, and them without the partner knowing.” “Craig – this is great. You’ve completed environment, with incredibly interesting
and threatened strangulation. They providing real support to the victims.” the drug and alcohol course. “Now that he’s been approved by staff members, and assist offenders in
have been separated for a number of We arrive at a homeless Congratulations.” CREST, Craig can begin the process building a better life.”
years, but he still lists her as his ‘next During the car ride to a stakeholder accommodation provider where Jordan Craig explains he’s living with a of applying for identification, which
of kin,’ and she still answers our calls. *Name changed for confidentiality
The importance have been made from discarded
plastic wrap from the industrial page
of cultural
page
11 laundry that operates within 12
connectedness the jail. The entertainment
at the Lotus Glen program takes place in front of
two large marquees that have
Correctional Centre been constructed onsite by
prisoners within the industries
The Lotus Glen Correctional workshops. There is a band,
Centre (LGCC) is 25 kilometres multiple freestanding sculptures
south of Mareeba. It and artworks, and a few hundred
accommodates high and low- prisoners, staff and visitors
security prisoners, servicing surrounding a large dance circle
the Cape York Region including in the middle of the stage area. Daryl Joseph
Focus on:
Cairns, isolated communities
and Torres Strait Islands. Its Cultural Development Officer
“I’m proud to be a cultural man,”
prisoner population is comprised says one Aboriginal prisoner,
Lotus Glen Correctional Centre
Far Northern of approximately 70 per cent
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people.
who is a prominent artist within
the jail. “This is about the boys
showing off their culture and
Daryl Joseph – or DJ as he is affectionately
referred to by his colleagues (pictured
Queensland Activities Officer Karl Smith
(pictured bottom left) has
showing their true colours and
respect for our culture.”
above) – has worked at the Lotus Glen
Correctional Centre since 1992, where he
started as a Custodial Correctional Officer.
He also worked as an Activities Officer until
worked at Lotus Glen for the past “Even though we’re in a jail,
three years. he joined the Cultural team in 2001, before
we have the freedom to be
taking up his current role in leading the
involved in cultural activities like
“There is a significant population team as Cultural Development Officer in
NAIDOC,” explains one Torres
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait 2011.
Strait Islander prisoner. He
Islander prisoners at Lotus, has assisted with planning the
and many of the activities we One of the most challenging aspects of
music, dances, and traditional
coordinate here reflect the DJ’s career has involved encountering
artwork. “It’s really important
value of connectedness to these multigenerational prisoners in custody
to us because we are free to
cultures,” he explains. “whether it be the grandfather, father,
express ourselves.”
son or more, but jail sometimes offers
The centre started preparations a connection to culture they would not
Visits from Elders assist
for last year’s NAIDOC ordinarily have. Particularly through access
prisoners in enabling a
celebration in May, with to the parental influences of Elders,” he
connectedness with their
prisoners engaging in two to explains.
culture, which can help with the
three sessions of dance practice stress and isolation that can
each week in the lead up. This “Our Elders help the prisoners to find the
accompany being in prison.
was also an opportunity for the spirit to learn and maintain their culture –
skilled artists within the prison which is expressed through their dances,
“Cultural connectedness really
to contribute to designing, music and artworks at events like NAIDOC.”
matters,” says Torres Strait
constructing, carving and Islander Elder, Aunty Leila
painting traditional artworks for “These dances tell a story – a history of our
Savage (pictured top right) from
display during the events. people – that is thousands of years old and
the Amaroo Justice Group.
“There is so much talent in it has to be right when they retell it,” he
here,” says Karl. “These activities explains. “The Elders who visit and teach
Aunty has been visiting the
all play a role in maintaining the aid in that.”
centre twice a month for the
order of the centre. When these past six years. “The boys in here
guys contribute to something don’t have the exposure to their
meaningful like NAIDOC, they culture. Our main role is to sit
then go back to their units and talk with them. I don’t ask
happy,” he continues. This any questions about why they’re
assists in alleviating the day- in here. Sometimes all they need
to-day stresses caused by is to talk to someone.”
the reality of overcrowding in
Queensland’s prisons.
The ingenuity and scale of an
event like NAIDOC at LGCC is
substantial. Dancers’ costumes
page
13
The project changing the face of
Aurukun
Senior Service Support Officer of the Aurukun and prisoners have been involved in the opt-in
Reintegration Justice Project, Stuart Marquardt service.
(pictured right), lives and works in the small
community of Aurukun, and has seen first The project is proactive, rather than reactive,
hand how a supportive and communicative and works around eight months in advance.
rehabilitation project can help shape
“Police inform us when offenders enter the
community behaviour.
watch house prior to custody, and we then visit
the offender at the location.
“I’m a family man here, first and foremost. And
people in the community know me, which is an “Our support starts then and there. We’ll
advantage,” he says. say ‘When you go to LGCC, look out for this
particular person, because you can speak to
The town of Aurukun once gained notoriety her about putting a plan in place for when you
as having one of the world’s highest murder are released on parole’.
rates.
“Then, when the offender enters LGCC, they
“Stealing vehicles used to be a very common know who to go to, and they know they have
an opportunity to plan for life after prison,
occurrence. Vehicles would be driven
which provides incentive to display good
through town, driven past people who were
behaviour.”
encouraging the behaviour, and then the
vehicles would be destroyed by offenders with
Stuart says when a prisoner’s release date
cheers in the background of supporters.
arrives, the LGCC representative will tell the
prisoner to ‘get in contact with Stuart, he can
“But over the past few years, we’ve seen
support your plans to get back to work’.
incremental positive changes in community
behaviours.
“And they do contact me,” he says. Stuart says
that there has been an increase of prisoners
“We’re now seeing a lot less of those
taking up programs and courses to boost their
situations, which is positive. Community views
chances of employment post-release.
are slowly changing, and I guess you could say
that ‘anarchy’ is being controlled – a situation
“The project is unique in its services, allowing
that would’ve previously, years ago, escalated
us to provide assistance to children and to
Geoff Robins “You get a chance to see the
impact your work has on families.”
“There was a solid six months of
unrest where services to the region
into a violent riot very quickly, now tends to be
more controlled.”
adults, which enables us to intervene at an
District Manager were increased significantly. The
earlier stage,” he says.
Weipa Probation and Parole “People who know this community State and the community came A key force behind the behavioural shift can
Incredibly, Aurukun has managed to largely
Service know that it’s getting better.” together to address the myriad of be attributed to the Aurukun Reintegration
avoid methamphetamine-related violence.
Justice Project, which is a service dedicated
issues faced by the town.”
Weipa Probation and Parole to supporting offenders and prisoners before,
Geoff says the spaces in Aurukun “We have worked over the past three years to
Service District Manager Geoff during and after custody. As Stuart says,
have changed. They are cleaner, Aurukun has faced strong communicate awareness in the community
communities evolve, but prison environments
Robins (pictured left) loves working free of litter, and the people are disadvantage but it wasn’t – and about its effects, so people can be empowered
don’t change.
remotely. working. still isn’t – beyond repair,” Geoff to keep away from the drug,” Stuart says.
says. “We enter correctional centres – Lotus Glen
He says the Aboriginal and Torres He says the project will continue to see
“There are challenges with Correctional Centre, for example – and
Strait Islander culture in Mt Isa, his positive results, and feels honoured to be
delivering services in Far North and “QCS is a significant contributor. we communicate how the community has
part of such a supportive team and vitally
hometown, and the issues faced by remote Queensland. We have a release monitoring advanced during the time that the prisoner
important project.
members of that community were group, which will deliver greater has been incarcerated. We explain what will be
embedded in him from day one. tolerated in the community, what won’t, and
“In 2015, a man was charged with supervision. We have a liaison “Some people have seen the success of this
we set the expectations; the transition toward
murdering another man during the function within and out of custody. project, and are considering this model for
Geoff started working in the far reintegration is critical, because you’re fighting
November riots,” he says. other regions.
the behaviour that is ingrained,” he says.
north Queensland town of Aurukun “If an offender is returned to
in 2009. At those riots, a police vehicle was custody, the in-prison care “I feel so honoured to be part of this project
Stuart says the team leads prisoners to
and to be having a positive effect on the
shot at, while another vehicle was management team works with the manoeuvre back into society in a positive way.
“Working out here brings you back community. I’m grateful to be part of it,” he
torched. offenders,” he says. says.
to reality,” he says. The project officially began in April 2017 after
years of voluntary work which pinpointed the
dire need for the service. Up to 100 offenders
page functioning, ethical community members as
7
15 Substantive Field Supervisor at Innisfail Work
Camp,
“The highlight of my job was seeing a
discharged prisoner offered employment. This
job makes a difference.”
Darryl’s worked with the prisoners for the
past three years, and seen hundreds of
Bernard David thousands of dollars in community man hours
contributed.
Social and Emotional Wellbeing Manager In August 2017, Darryl graduated with a
Apunipima Cape York Health Council Diploma of Correctional Administration from
the QCS Academy, “with the full support of
my immediate manager and QCS,” he proudly
How Cape York Health Council is
says. “It took around one year, with a few
hours of study most week-nights.”
boosting region’s wellbeing “We provide labour for many regional
projects and community areas, for example,
In the two decades since its inception, Apunipima Cape York Health maintaining the cemetery, beautification of
Council has grown from a small advocacy organisation to the largest the river bank,” he says.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation in Queensland. Darryl Gracie
Field Supervisor “Faith in the future of the work camp concept
Bernard David, pictured right, is Apunipima’s Social and Emotional and wanting to be in the correct place to assist
Innisfail Work Camp in the possible expansion of the concept, gave
Wellbeing Manager and said the programs run by Apunipima help
me the motivation to study the Diploma.”
people to cope with everyday life pressures. The organisation is Darryl Gracie (pictured above) is a 15-year
a membership-based, community-controlled Aboriginal Health veteran of Australian Corrective Services, “It places me in a good position to guide
Organisation responsible for delivering high-quality, culturally topping out in the Northern Territory as Chief the supervision of the Work Camp and its
appropriate, comprehensive primary health care to 11 Cape York Training Officer, and proves that ongoing prisoners.”
communities. education is a key to growth and success.
Darryl says his job is to transition the
“We provide a range of services that cover social and emotional health
prisoners from a custodial environment to
and wellbeing, including a wellbeing centre at Aurukun providing
health, social and psychological service, and a cultural connection
program for prisoners from Aurukun. and vegetables, and the other is full of the “I’m grateful that my Regional Supervisor saw
lunchbox essentials, while the third trolley has a something in me, and offered me the role,
mix of both. and I’m also grateful for the support that I’m
“We facilitate group work and therapeutic interventions within secure
given by my District Manager, and from my
custody at the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, and we work with “Our grocery bill is huge. But with seven kids, colleagues,” she says.
prisoners at the farm. it’s bound to be,” she laughs.
Dianna and her husband have ‘opposite
“Our team members teach ways to cope when socioeconomic pressures Dianna is a remarkable example of the QCS schedules’ allowing one of them to work, while
bear down on you week on week, year on year,” he says. spirit. In amongst being a Case Manager for the other spends time with the children.
Gympie Probation and Parole Service, she’s also
“It’s about leading communities and protecting families.” a Court Officer – attending Court a minimum Dianna says she has wanted to be a foster
of twice per week – and is a mother of seven parent ever since learning about her own family
Bernard says the organisation also links with the Probation and Parole children in total. Dianna has four children of her history. “My father was adopted, and I would
own and, together with her husband, fosters a always ask myself ‘would I be here today if dad
Service to develop care plans and health checks, and works with the
further three children. hadn’t been adopted?’ so from a young age,
Community Re-Entry Services Team (CREST) to share resources to I knew I wanted to foster children, because I
benefit the region. Alongside her full time work and raising her understood the difference that it made. I wanted
seven children, Dianna last year graduated from to give something back,” she says.
With more than 150 staff, the Mossman Gorge Health Centre and the
Kowanyama Mums and Bubs clinic, Apunipima is continuing to tackle
Dianna Podetti The University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
with a Bachelor of Human Services, completing “QCS is a career for life, and the support in
health inequality on the Cape. Case Manager the seven year part-time degree online in just place is a testament to that. Thinking back,
Gympie Probation and Parole Service three years. university study was stressful in amongst
my other duties, but all the struggles, time
When Dianna Podetti (pictured above) exits the Dianna pointed to flexible working restraints, and the ‘blood, sweat and tears’ were
shops with her teenage sons, pushing almost arrangements in aiding her successful truly worth it,” Dianna says.
three trolleys full of food items, people often do completion of study. “I’ve been really lucky to
a double take. have had the opportunity to work for QCS,” she “The support offered to me by QCS and USQ has
says. made this possible for me,” she says.
“One trolley is usually full of fresh meats, fruit
page page
17 18
We caugght up with Brisba anee
Correctio
onal Centre Custodial
Correctio
onal Officer, Saraah Cenan
one yearr on from sttarting
g her
COEP tra
aining at the Accademy Brisbane Custodial Correctional Officer, Sarah Cenan
pictured with her parents on graduation day.
Tell us about training at the QCS I have furthered my skills in system there was a place for me. After
Academy observation, patience and trying a few different avenues I spoke
communication. I have learnt how to with a few friends who were in this
Custodial Officer Entry Program graduates It was like going back to school;
long days and study, study, study.
de-escalate situations to achieve best
outcomes, and how to motivate others
job and felt this might just be what
I have been looking for. I submitted
Michael Gloger, Jade Fergusson and Yasmin Hobday The teachers were great and made to reach their full potential and take my application in November 2016
the learning experience interesting, steps to change their lives. and started at the Academy in January
however, I still didn't really know quite 2017. Once I started at BCC, I knew I
what to expect. What’s been a career highlight so far? had made the right decision.
Yasmin Hobday, Jade Fergusson, and everyone does,” she says. Army, and QCS.
Michael Gloger graduated from the When I started at Brisbane My career highlight so far has been What would be your advice for new
Custodial Officer Entry Program (COEP) Jade Fergusson worked with New Zealand “QCS seemed to offer the same support, Correctional Centre (BCC) I knew I had watching and learning from one of the graduates and people looking to
last year. Corrections before being drawn to QCS for the same challenging work environment, made the right decision. The staff were supervisors at my centre. I observed apply for QCS positions?
its stability for his young family. similar training, and the same mateship helpful and friendly, and the prisoners her handle a situation with a prisoner
All three have become great friends, as the Army, but allowed me to spend were polite. There are policies and in a polite, respectful and nurturing Research the role before you apply,
but were each attracted to Queensland “The Queensland Corrective Services more time at home and less time procedures in place to assist you manner and was very impressed. At think about what may be involved in
Corrective Services (QCS) for different program offers flexibility, and I was travelling. in handling any situation, and the the QCS Academy we are taught that the job and ask yourself if you think
reasons. attracted to that,” he says. training is ongoing. ‘my attitude is determined by your it would suit you. When you start
“This role allows me to be home more, so attitude’, and in this instance, the training, make sure you come in with
Yasmin Hobday studied justice before “To me, there’s more control over your it was a no-brainer.” Best part of the job? prisoner’s behaviour was able to be an open mind. Sit back, listen and
commencing a career with QCS. career and personal growth in QCS, so I de-escalated due to the supervisor’s soak up everything. Your time at the
didn’t hesitate to apply. New correctional officers complete 364 I am able to work to protect nurturing attitude. Academy is long, but important. It’s
‘It’s really not like the movies at all,” hours of training over a 10-week period, Queenslanders, have a great work/life building the foundations for your
says Yasmin. “It’s hard work, but very “But of course, the adrenalin rush is the including two weeks’ practical on-the-job balance and do my ‘bit’ for the greater Have you encountered certain career.
rewarding work.” same,” he says. training inside a correctional centre. good. situations where you’ve used specific
skills learnt in your training? What Once you graduate do the same in
“Prisoners are people, and deserve Michael Gloger drew parallels between his What specialist skills have you were they? your correctional centre. You will find
respect and humane treatment, just like previous artillery career in the Australian developed since becoming a CCO? a mixture of new and old staff, some
Completing the Custodial Officer with more experience than others.
Entry Program (COEP) builds the Listen to all of them! By listening and
Probation and Parole remote areas of Lockhart River, Coen
and Napranum. It is my responsibility
Can you see the difference this course
will make to your job?
That’s great. So, what made you apply
for the job with QCS?
foundations on how to react in certain learning from other staff it will enable
Service Professional to provide dynamic case management
situations and what rules, legislation you to become the kind of officer you
and regulations you need to follow want to be.
Development Program to the offenders under my supervision, The Professional Development Program Since 2013, I served as a Custodial
when reacting. I draw on the skills that
ensuring that the requirements of the (PDP) provides an opportunity for Officer in the Escort and Security
I learnt at the Academy every day, in Most of all, remember to be you,
Q and A with Anyang Anyang, court and judiciary are met, whilst integration of both the theory and Branch (ESB) supervising offenders
both work and life. I have drawn on my be honest and follow procedures.
also managing the risks and needs practice. Since the trainees had the appearing before the Brisbane
Weipa District Office of the offenders from various cultural opportunity to learn on the job prior Supreme and Magistrates Courts.
communication skills more times than Remember you are not there to
I can count. punish, you are there to protect.
backgrounds. While my role involves to the PDP, they bring into training an
Anyang, thanks for sitting down with driving in excess of 15 hours a month,
Protect the prisoners, protect the staff
enriching and exceedingly inspiring The opportunity to engage with
us. In your opinion, what is the most So, what motivated you to join QCS? and protect the community.
and flying on small charter flights experiences. The sharing of experiences offenders in addressing their life
satisfying part of your job? during storm season, I find it exciting during the PDP helps trainees challenges and their offending from a
I have always known that I wanted to
to impact a meaningful change on appreciate that there is no singular different perspective motivated me to
As a Probation Services Officer, I work in this capacity and I felt that
offenders. approach to case management. join the Probation and Parole Service.
supervise offenders in discrete and somewhere in the criminal justicepage
Queensland Our Research and “This role allows me to perform evaluation,
research and analysis, using rigorous
20
Parole Evaluation Unit methodology to develop strategy specifically
designed for the real world. It’s about making
Where can you find people who are in one place
System The Research and Evaluation Unit was re- a positive impact and creating change through
all day, with time to learn a new set of skills? The
answer became clear to US-based charity Smart
Reform
established in July 2017 in accordance with evidence-based practice.” Pups: In prisons.
Recommendation 23 of the Queensland Parole
System Review. The purpose of the Research Tanya explains that the REU team aims to Smart Pups, which manages around 36 ‘pups’
and Evaluation function of QCS is to support focus on topics that are important to the across various facilities in the United States,
the organisation to explore new opportunities work of corrections, with the goal of business approached the Maryborough Correctional Centre
based on research and to evaluate programs improvement. “Our team is a collection of (MCC) to propose a partnership between the charity
and initiatives to ensure operations are passionate people who have one goal, but and the facility.
informed and effective. who each think differently, which is brilliant,
because it means we can consider issues from The Smart Pups pilot program sees prisoners at the
Dr Sandy Sacre is the Director, Research, all angles.” centre assisting with the training of assistance dogs
Evaluation and Performance and provides that will go on to be paired with children who have
oversight of the Research and Evaluation Unit Senior Advisor, Mel Conway has been with a disability or children who suffer from seizures to
(REU) as part of her role. Dr Sacre comes from QCS for over five years and joined the REU provide care and companionship.
a psychology, research and clinical health team in September 2017. “With my front
background. “I am excited to be involved in line experience as a custodial officer and Staff Training Coordinator, Lynette Steadman put
the core endeavour of research and evaluation correctional psychologist, together with my her hand up to assist with the program, revealing
at QCS, particularly at this moment in the research interest and experience, I bring a that her strong interest came from having a child on
evolution of the agency. We are working both unique set of skills to the unit,” she explains. the autism spectrum and understanding the issues
independently and in partnership with QCS faced by families.
colleagues and university scholars, to forge a April stresses that dissemination of research
strong culture of evidence-informed thinking findings and evidence is an important part of “Many of these children are socially isolated, and
and practice within QCS.” the work of the REU. “The team has initiated the presence of a trained dog as a companion
monthly publication updates and a seminar and assistant can make daily life more bearable,
As Manager of the REU, April Chrzanowski series, providing officers with presentations helping diffuse ‘meltdowns,’ and provide a friend,”
leads the team and steers the many initiatives from researchers. she says.
that the Unit is developing and implementing.
April has a background in law, criminology On 14 February, QCS co-hosted a symposium Lynette says the centre now has eight labradors -
and mathematics and has a passion for using event in collaboration with the Griffith an increase from the original two - and the dogs
administrative data to understand systems and Criminology Institute, where officers had the spend eight months with the prisoners learning
processes to solve complex problems. opportunity to hear from leading national and six modules including rolling over, staying on
Tanya Strub brings a PhD in jury decision-
international researchers in the field. command, sitting down to ‘anchor’ a child that
may have wandered, opening cupboard doors, and
The Maryborough
making to her current role of Principal Advisor. performing high fives.
Correctional Centre
assistance program
Research and Evaluation Unit, April Chrzanowski, Mel Conway, Tanya Strub and Sandy Sacre. “The dogs can roll over, stay on command, open
kitchen doors, give a high five and bark on
improving the lives of
command. Remarkably, the dogs can also detect
seizures about 10 minutes before they occur,” she
says.
The pups spend four weeks in the centre followed
children with disabilities
by four weeks with Smart Pups completing the
remaining public access training, and spend
weekends with staff to gain ‘public access’
experience where dogs are taken to the movies,
cafes, beaches and parks.
Lynette says the program can change prisoners’
thought patterns, can make them less selfish, more
adaptable to change, and provides a way for them
to take pride in giving back to the community.
Four pups have been fully trained by the prisoners
and two pups – Wesley and Weylan – have recently
graduated. Administration Officer Carlene Hunter and Staff Training Coordinator Lynette
Steadman coordinate the Smart Pups program at MCC.With more than 13 kilometres of files site visits to conduct RecFind or
page onsite at any one time, and more recordkeeping training and retention page
than 600,000 offender files logged and disposal of records training, so
21 in recordkeeping databases, the it’s always great to meet QCS staff 22
QCS Central Archives team could at a probation and parole office or
give the world’s biggest storage correctional centre,” she says.
companies a run for their money
when it comes to efficient, secure Records Management oversees the
and friendly document management. secure containment of offender
files (IOMS, Queensland Health,
The vital Records Management Unit prisoner transfers, maximum
lies within Offender Information security unit (MSU) and Dangerous
Systems and manages all Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act
information collected as part of QCS
business operations, regardless of
2003 (DPSOA) files, while managing
QCS operational files across human Tony Goodall
the systems used to gather data or resources, finance, facilities,
documents; they are the glue that dog squad, correctional centres, Correctional Supervisor
holds QCS documentation together. probation and parole, QCS Academy
and QSS. Wolston Correctional Centre
Records Management staff
implement recordkeeping legislation Files are stored at Central Archives
and standards, provide advice, for approximately 12 months before A quick-thinking QCS Emergency on how to carry out the technique and
training, manage daily operation and being relocated offsite. If a staff Response Group Commander and maintain his sister’s airway,” he said.
maintenance of QCS record keeping member requires a file that is Correctional Supervisor who saved
system RecFind and work with the marked to offsite storage, files can the life of a dying child on his way “Soon, a couple of my custodial
Integrated Offender Management be requested using the RecFind home from a prison shift in Brisbane’s officer colleagues pulled up at the
System (IOMS). Request function. west has reflected on the event as the scene. They ran toward us, and it was
proudest moment of his career. a great moment, and a proud one for
The team also manages Queensland Katie says the Records team me, because they knew what to do.
Central Archives received more than
Shared Services (QSS) and QCS currently has many archiving
35,000files
in 2016
Commander Tony Goodall spotted
Human Resources payroll and projects on the go, with jobs
accounts information, and liaises including auditing older records, a “flash of something small” on the “They assisted by controlling traffic
with the Parole Board Queensland such as hundreds of boxes of side of a main road at Wacol in 2014, around the scene and looking out for
There are more than and Queensland State Archives. decommissioned correctional centre minutes after he’d completed his the ambulance, as we worked to keep
600,000records kept in Recfind 6
Records Management Information
Planning Manager Katie Fleming
records. shift as Secure Unit Supervisor at the
nearby Wolston Correctional Centre.
the young girl alive.”
Tony said as the Queensland
QCS stores more than says locating and collecting Tony realised two young children were Ambulance Service began to
300,000 offender files
historical documents is a highlight
of the job.
injured after sliding off a toboggan
into bushland on the side of an
approach the scene around 15
minutes later, the young girl began
abandoned Wacol road, and one gurgling, and eventually breathing,
“Preserving documents of past
significance, and the satisfaction of the two children – a young girl – and she was then rushed onto the
in being able to confidently assist wasn’t breathing. ambulance.
agency staff to correctly catalogue
records, is rewarding. Ensuring He said he knew something was One week later, Tony saw the young
records are searchable and wrong when he turned over the girl again in an emotional reunion.
accessible into the future is also girl’s limp body and opened her eye
important. “which was looking straight ahead, “She was alive,” he said. “This result
absolutely still.” is the highlight of my decade-long
“Additionally, the Records career in corrections.
Management team is able to gain
“Fortunately, my previous training
insight into all aspects of QCS from
the Probation and Parole Service (Custodial Officer Entry Program and “All of my training, and my time in
through to Custodial Operations and Emergency Response Group) taught prisons, led me to that moment - to
central office, which increases our me everything I needed to know be able to save that young girl’s life,”
knowledge of the Agency,” she says. about making an emergency situation he said.
like this as safe as possible, as well
Katie explains that she and the team as administering CPR,” Tony said.
love being able to work with so many
staff across Queensland. “I asked the girl’s brother to jump
inside my car and grab my mobile
“Our clients change frequently as a
phone and we called the Ambulance.
Records Management Unit result of the team providing advice
to staff state-wide, so it’s great to
“She wasn’t breathing so in the
be able to assist with queries from
Operational Support Services people in many locations. meantime I started CPR, and at the
“We often receive requests for same time instructed the young boyYou can also read
