Recognition for women working to make Queensland communities safer
- International Women's Day awards highlight efforts to deliver reform and reduce reoffending
Officers committed to making Queensland communities safer have been recognised in a Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) International Women's Day event.
Custodial Operations, Community Corrections, Operational Policy, Finance, Project Delivery, and First Nations and Cultural Capability commands were all represented by the officers receiving International Women's Day awards.
The awards highlighted excellence in performance and leadership and the impact of women working in corrections, noting that they represent nearly half of the QCS workforce and more than 60 per cent of senior roles.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support and Minister for Corrective Services, Laura Gerber MP, praised the outstanding contributions of female officers to delivering reform and rehabilitation to reduce reoffending and make Queensland safer.
"Community safety and reducing crime is front and centre of this government, and the women working in corrections play an important role in reforming offenders and protecting the community so there are fewer victims of crime," Minister Gerber said.
"I congratulate all award winners today for the leadership, dedication and determination they've shown and thank them for their commitment to working on the frontline to protect Queenslanders."
Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Paul Stewart APM congratulated the officers and thanked them for their contributions to making Queensland safer.
"Women now lead in more roles than ever before at QCS, shaping a more inclusive and effective correctional system, and their presence strengthens not just our workplaces but the outcomes we deliver," Commissioner Stewart said.
"There are many career pathways at QCS and I am pleased that the officers recognised today represent the wide variety of services that make up the correctional system.
"From frontline custodial officers and case managers to those working to build our cultural capability to deliver effective rehabilitation – their exceptional dedication, leadership and contributions to corrections deserve to be celebrated."
QCS International Women's Day Award Recipients:
Excellence in Performance in Custodial Operations
- Leanne Smith, Correctional Manager Accommodation from Capricornia Correctional Centre
- Nikki Pike, Custodial Correctional Officer from Woodford Correctional Centre
Excellence in Performance in Community Corrections and Specialist Operations
- Suzanne Cantatore, Director, Workforce Management
- Jade Baker, Acting Regional Manager, Northern Region, Community Corrections
Excellence in Performance in Organisational Capability
- Amanda Renton, Principal Financial Accountant from Finance and Procurement
- Tania Donaldson, Director, First Nations and Cultural Capability Command
Excellence in Performance in Workforce Culture, Integrity and Capability Division
- Lauren Ritchie, Manager, Operational Policy and Practice Group
- Dr Yolanda Adams Assistant Commissioner, First Nations and Cultural Capability Command
Champion of Balancing the Scales
- Lucy Rockett, Regional Manager, Southern Region, Community Corrections
- Marilyn Cook, Correctional Supervisor from Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre
Champion for First Nations Peoples
- Teresa Brimble, Cultural Liaison Officer from Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre
- Ebony Georgiou, Principal Consultant Advice and Support, Professional Standards and Governance Command
Outstanding Female Leader
- Sarah Hyde, Acting Chief Administrative Officer, Parole Board Queensland
- Sharon Stephenson, Deputy General Manager, Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre
