National Corrections Day will be marked in the Cessnock region today, celebrating the 10,000 correctional staff in NSW – and the 25,000 frontline officers across Australia – who work tirelessly rehabilitating offenders and keeping the community safe.
Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr MP said the day was a great opportunity to thank the region’s correctional staff, who play a vital role in keeping the community safe at Community Corrections offices and Correctional Centres at the Cessnock Correctional Complex.
“Today we acknowledge the hardworking corrections officers in our region who strive to engage, educate and rehabilitate offenders for the benefit of the community,” Clayton Barr MP said.
“They should be commended for their bravery, dedication and commitment to their work, which mostly goes unnoticed because it happens behind the walls of prisons or Community Corrections offices.”
Corrective Services NSW staff will mark the day by holding morning teas and barbecues, and raising funds for chosen charities, including NSW Rural Fire Service, Australian Red Cross and the NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES).
CSNSW staff are deeply affected by the NSW bushfires with many officers volunteering for the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW State Emergency Service. Unfortunately, some staff lost their homes and property.
Minister for Corrections, Anthony Roberts MP said the We Are Family theme for this year’s National Corrections Day focuses on the camaraderie of CSNSW staff and their ability to work together to meet the challenges of the job.
“Our corrections staff should be applauded for their ability to band together and support one another to resolve often challenging and volatile situations,” Mr Roberts said.
“These brave men and women go about their work with the utmost professionalism, and deserve to be praised for their strong work ethic and commitment to reducing reoffending.
“Please join me in thanking our Corrective Services family for the important work they do.”
CSNSW employs 10,000 staff across the state, including custodial officers, security and intelligence officers, industry overseers, inmate services and programs staff, psychologists and Community Corrections officers.
In the lead up to National Corrections Day, CSNSW discovered about 200 family units among its staff – and there are likely many more.
Corrections Day was established by Corrective Services NSW in 2017 before it was adopted nationally and by New Zealand in 2018.