Commissioner's International Women's Day Awards for outstanding service announced at Queensland public safety event

Dear colleagues

International Women's Day is this Sunday, 8 March. Forming part of Queensland Women's Week, International Women's Day is an important occasion to recognise and celebrate the achievement of all women.

I am proud to acknowledge and celebrate the significance of women in QCS and the role each of our officers perform every day to keep Queensland's communities safe.

Everyone has a role to play in creating a Queensland community that respects women, embraces gender equality, and promotes and protects the rights, interests and wellbeing of women.

I wish to thank the officers who have arranged celebrations at our correctional centres, community corrections offices and headquarters to celebrate this important initiative.

Today officers from across the organisation joined our Queensland public safety colleagues in celebrating International Women's Day at an awards ceremony to recognise those amongst us who champion gender equality in everything they do.

This year, the theme for International Women's Day is #EachforEqual - each one of us are responsible for creating a gender equal world, by actively choosing to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements.

The theme for the Queensland public safety agencies event is Be Brave, Be True, Be You, which directly relates to #EachforEqual as it encourages employees to:

Be Brave - make brave choices;

Be True - make choices by remaining true to ourselves; and

Be You - value your experience, your identity and your goals and letting them guide you.

I am honoured to recognise the following individuals who proudly champion gender equality each and every day, in everything they do with this year's Commissioner's Awards for International Women's Day.

Outstanding Female Leader - Samantha Newman, Assistant Commissioner, Specialist Operations

In recognition of your outstanding leadership in Specialist Operations, and your inspiration to women in the fast paced environment of corrections. Your commitment to supporting flexible working arrangements and ongoing training and development of your officers, in particular women, ensures those under your command are able to perform at their very best, whatever the challenge.

Outstanding Emerging Female Leader - Superintendent Rhiannon Porter, Acting Director, Operations, Community Corrections

In recognition of your outstanding leadership and dedication to community safety, and your empowerment to a predominantly female workforce in Community Corrections by promoting a culture of role ownership, accountability and high performance. Your commitment to advancing women in the workplace, and in the community, is demonstrated through years of support for women's strategies and initiatives, including the QCS Women's Estate.

Outstanding Emerging Female Leader - Michelle Walters, Correctional Supervisor, Escort and Security Branch

In recognition of your outstanding leadership within the Escort and Security Branch, championing gender equality and challenging gender stereotypes and cultural norms, whilst empowering women in your workplace to take on leadership opportunities. Your contribution to positive workplace culture has had a sustained positive impact, especially for the women around you.

Excellence in Performance in Custodial Operations - Superintendent Martina Gavin, Acting Deputy General Manager, Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre

In recognition of your leadership, through offender development and senior correctional operations, which continues to inspire women in your workplace. Your ability to adapt to different challenges, circumstances, workforces and prisoner cohorts is a testament to your demonstrated experience and excellence in Custodial Operations.

Excellence in Performance in Community Corrections and Specialist Operations - Superintendent Michal Rogers, Acting Regional Manager Central Region Community Corrections

In recognition of your commitment and leadership to Central Region Community Corrections, and for your tireless advocacy in tackling domestic and family violence, along with your support for your female colleagues. Your dedication to developing the next generation of corrections leaders is recognised and immensely appreciated by your colleagues in Community Corrections.

Excellence in Performance in Organisational Capability - Chief Superintendent Sally-Ann Gray, Chief Inspector

In recognition of your commitment to excellence in the safe and humane containment of prisoners and supervision of offenders, and your focus on issues facing Indigenous people and women. Your dedication to improving outcomes for female prisoners and offenders and your mentorship of female officers is widely respected across Queensland Corrective Services, and as a leader in Organisational Capability.

Please join me in congratulating these exceptional officers on their contribution to keeping Queensland safe.

Peter Martin APM

Commissioner