Head of Townsville Correctional Complex retires after 37 years
The General Manager of Townsville Correctional Complex, Chief Superintendent Louise Kneeshaw is retiring after a distinguished 37-year Queensland Corrective Services career.
Acting Commissioner of Queensland Corrective Services, Ursula Roeder ACM praised Ms Kneeshaw for her commitment to improving community safety and wished her well in retirement.
"Louise is a truly exemplary officer and leader who has made a real difference in every role she has held, both in custodial operations and community corrections across Queensland.
"Her calm, pragmatic and positive approach to her work, along with her absolute commitment to supporting her officers is remarkable, and she will be missed, both in Townsville and statewide," A/g Commissioner Roeder said.
"Since January 2020, Louise has held what is one of the most challenging General Manager roles within QCS, managing two high security centres, two low security facilities and three work camps, and has been responsible for the day-to-day safety and security of well over 1000 prisoners.
"Ch Supt Kneeshaw started her career as a prison officer at Boggo Road Women's Jail in 1988, and worked with some of the State's most notorious criminals at a range of correctional facilities, including Sir David Longlands Correctional Centre, which later became Brisbane Correctional Centre. She transferred to Townsville in 2005 to take up the role of Deputy General Manager before becoming General Manager in 2020.
"Ch Supt Kneeshaw was also the Regional Manager of Northern Region Community Corrections between 2008 and 2018," A/Commissioner Roeder said.
Ch Supt Kneeshaw said she retires from her role with the confidence that she has created an environment where Townsville Correctional Complex officers feel supported to achieve their goals.
She commended her team of officers for their commitment and professionalism.
"The investment in leadership has been built from the ground up, and I am leaving with confidence that there's opportunities for our officers who wish to take advantage of them.
"The next crop of leaders we have grown at the centre have a great focus on supporting their teams, and are well positioned to take the centre forward.
"Ultimately, the public service is about being of service. I'd like to think over 37 years I've been of service to the organisation, the community, the staff group and the prisoners, because that's what it's about.
"I'm now genuinely looking forward to enjoying life with my family."
A/Commissioner Roeder said that a comprehensive recruitment process will identify the next leader of Townsville Correctional Complex following Ch Supt Kneeshaw's retirement.
"Ch Supt Kneeshaw has led the Townsville Correctional Complex through immeasurable change, including implementing recommendations of an independent review in 2020 to improve communication throughout the complex, ensure transparency in decision making and support leadership development," she said.
"We thank Ch Supt Kneeshaw for her dedication and leadership which has built a healthy, safe and productive correctional environment that supports the needs of officers and is committed to reforming prisoners to make Queensland communities safer.
"We wish Lou well for her well-earned retirement. She will be missed," A/Commissioner Roeder said.
