International Women's Day 2025
Several Queensland Corrective Services' female officers received accolades for their contributions to Queensland's safety at the International Women's Day Awards, last Friday (May 16), which had been postponed due to ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.
Corrective Services Minister Laura Gerber praised the women for their unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership within QCS.
QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart, APM recognised their impact, highlighting women represented nearly half of the workforce.
Recipients of the QCS International Women's Day Awards 2025 are:
Excellence in Performance in Custodial Operations – Recognising outstanding contributions in the custodial environment.
Winner – Superintendent Megan Crossley from Southern Queensland Correctional Centre.
Winner – Acting Superintendent Hanah Walton from Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre
Excellence in Performance in Community Corrections and Specialist Operations – Recognising excellence in community corrections or specialist areas, such as intelligence, investigations or dog squads.
Winner – Monique Vassallo from Parole Board Queensland Secretariat
Excellence in Performance in Organisational Capability – Recognising significant contributions that enhance the agency's organisational capability.
Winner – Tahlia Johnston from the Operational Performance and Reporting Group
Excellence in Performance in Workforce Culture, Integrity, and Capability – Recognising efforts to enhance workforce culture and uphold integrity with QCS.
Winner – Lynda Hall-Watson from People Capability Command
*Winner – Tanya Guild from People Capability Command (absent)
Outstanding Emerging Female Leader – Recognising a rising leader who shows exceptional promise and achievement early in their career.
Winner – Superintendent Natalie Smith from Policy and Legal Command.
Winner – Silvi Baretta from Townsville Correctional Centre
Outstanding Female Leader – Recognising an established leader who demonstrates exceptional leadership and impact within QCS.
Winner – Acting Deputy Commissioner, Custodial Operations, Eloise Hamlett ACM
Winner – Assistant Commissioner Pasty Purtill from Financial Services and Strategic Sourcing Command
Inspirational Female Award – Recognising the extraordinary achievements and resilience of women who have made significant impact in their communities and/or workplace.
Winner – Veronica Little from Townsville Correctional Centre
