Two current and one former Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) officers have been named as recipients of the prestigious Australian Corrections Medal in this year's Australia Day Honours List.
Minister for Corrective Services Mark Ryan MP said he was thrilled to recognise the hard work of this year's recipients.
"I am extremely proud on behalf of the Government to officially congratulate this year's recipients of the Australian Corrections Medal; Ms Robyn Ernst, Ms Simone Lourigan and Ms Jenny Lynas," Minister Ryan said.
"Robyn Ernst is recognised for her commitment dedication improving outcomes for women in prison, and her commitment to the management, rehabilitation and successful reintegration of female offenders over her 24-year career at QCS'.
"Simone Lourigan is recognised for her extensive experience over her 14-year career in QCS for her work in psychological and intervention services for high risk and dangerous male prisoners and her dedication to their rehabilitation.
"Jenny Lynas is recognised for her dedication to community safety during her 20-year career in QCS and her tireless work to enhance management and safe reintegration of dangerous sex offenders into the community. She has since left the QCS to further her career in other areas."
"I congratulate them for their distinguished service to Queensland and their tireless efforts to keep their community safe," Minister Ryan said.
Commissioner Peter Martin APM said the awards highlighted and celebrated the diversity of the important work that QCS officers do in the community.
"It is very appropriate that the hard work of Robyn, Simone and Jenny is formally recognised in this way, and it highlights the amazing work our officers do every day to keep Queensland safe," Commissioner Martin said.
"As we continue to position ourselves as a forward thinking, top-tier public safety agency, it is important for us to appropriately recognise our people for the vital role they play in the community.
"Excellence is one of the guiding principles of Corrections 2030, and it is vital that we identify and celebrate the excellent work of our greatest assets, our people," Commissioner Martin said
Established in 2017, the ACM is awarded every year on Australia Day and the Queen's Birthday (June) for distinguished service by correctional officers across Australia.
The Australian Corrections Medal features the Federation Star and bears the scales of justice and is surrounded by a laurel of Australian wattle.
