Australian Corrections Medal conferred on officers

The Governor of Queensland, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey, AC, today conferred the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) on QCS officers Julie Steinheuer and Dennis Hayes at an investiture ceremony at Government House in Brisbane.

Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan said the ACM was awarded for distinguished service by an operational member of an Australian civilian correctional service and held substantial significance within the Australian Honours System.

“The ACM represents what has always been true about Queensland Corrective Services, but not often recognised publicly,” Minister Ryan said.

“Every day, in all corners of our State, we have officers like Julie Steinheuer and Dennis Hayes who are working diligently to protect the community.

“The establishment of the ACM in 2018, by recognition of Her Majesty, the Queen, is the highest praise possible for the important and vital role our staff play in keeping the community safe.”

The medal was awarded for the first time last year and Ms Steinheuer and Mr Hayes are the third and fourth Queensland Corrective Service officers to receive the honour.

Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Martin APM said Ms Steinheuer and Mr Hayes were fitting recipients of the award.

“They represent the exceptional diligence, professionalism and distinguished service expected of a national award,” Commissioner Martin said.

“Both Ms Steinheuer and Mr Hayes are exemplary officers, and demonstrate the professionalism, drive and commitment to delivering world-class corrective services which epitomises our workforce.

“I congratulate both of them on receiving the Australian Corrections Medal. Queensland Corrective Services is fortunate to have officers of their calibre amongst our ranks.”

ENDS

Editor’s note: high res images and overlay, including interviews with both officers, are available on request from QCS media.

QCS Media: 3565 7824

Julie Steinheuer

Ms Steinheuer, Deputy General Manager of Numinbah Correctional Centre was recognised for her diligent and distinguished service in the management of female prisoners in Queensland. She has 30 years’ experience in corrections both in Queensland and New South Wales, and is responsible for more than 120 female prisoners on the 770 hectare farm at Numinbah.

Ms Steinheuer has developed a long and productive partnership with the Animal Welfare League, with low security prisoners assisting the group through community service, as well as fostering dogs and puppies at the centre as a part of the Pups in Prison program, which has shown considerable success in assisting with prisoners’ rehabilitation.

Under Ms Steinheuer’s leadership, the centre has partnered with Days for Girls, with prisoners sewing cloth packs which contain hygiene products for women in third world countries. The centre also works with Rotary to make birth packs including baby wraps, blankets and towels for newborn babies in Papua New Guinea. In 2017, Ms Steinheuer led the introduction of the Numinbah Parental Support Unit, allowing incarcerated women to keep their babies with them in prison.

Dennis Hayes

Mr Hayes, Special Operations Supervisor of Escort and Security Branch, received the ACM in recognition of his consistently distinguished service to Queensland Corrective Services and the Queensland community.

Mr Hayes has demonstrated remarkable capability and professional service delivery to correctional practice for more than 28 years. He has consistently participated in significant operations, from escorting maximum security prisoners through to contributing to security at the Commonwealth Games and the G20 summit in Brisbane.

Mr Hayes played a vital role in coordinating the movement of more than 600 prisoners over and above business as usual as a part of Operation Elevate, when Southern Queensland Correctional Centre was converted from a male to female prison.