Published Thursday, 02 October, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Prison General Manager retires
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence has paid tribute to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre General Manager Alan Farrell, who is retiring this week after more than 30 years in corrections.
Ms Spence said: “Mr Farrell has been a dedicated and hard working member of Queensland’s corrective services industry since he first joined the then Prisons Department in 1975.
“During his years of service, corrections in Queensland has undergone major change – with Queensland Corrective Services now recognised as a world leader in prisons management.
“Mr Farrell’s experience and knowledge have been invaluable to Queensland Corrective Services and we wish him well in his retirement.”
During Mr Farrell’s early years, he worked in several correctional centres and the Escort and Security Branch, before being appointed General Manager of Lotus Glen Correctional Centre in 2006.
He also held senior roles in Queensland Corrective Services’ (QCS) Human Resources, Administration and Finance and Special Projects departments and the Office of the Chief Inspector.
During his career, Alan helped establish the State’s original computer-based prisoner administration system – laying the foundations for today’s world-class system of managing prisoners’ sentences and rehabilitation.
In 2004, Alan was appointed Project Manager for the Business Model Review Implementation which changed the Agency’s organisational structure, functions and responsibilities.
He also conducted a major Agency review into the operation of the QCS Operational Support Services Unit and Dog Squad, which resulted in dedicated dog squads being aligned to every correctional centre.
QCS Acting Director-General Neil Whittaker said Alan implemented many reforms during his long and distinguished career.
“Alan was closely involved in the evolution of the prison system as it changed from punishment to rehabilitation,” he said.
“He delivered important outcomes in several key areas, laid the groundwork for some of the systems we use today and streamlined the way much of our business is conducted.”
Mr Whittaker said Alan’s personal qualities stood him in good stead throughout his professional and private lives.
“His honest, straight-up approach, passion for his work; and depth of experience at the coalface earned Alan much affection and respect,” he said.
“Alan has been an asset to all areas of corrective services – the Agency, his colleagues and prisoners.”
Alan followed in the footsteps of his father, Jack, who was appointed Superintendent of Wacol Prison in 1972 and then Chief Superintendent of Boggo Road Prison in 1975.
Alan’s son Scott and daughter Holly both currently work for QCS continuing a family tradition spanning almost 60 years.
Media Contact: Minister’s Office – 3239 6172
QCS Media: Peter O’Halloran – 3405 5391 Peter.Ohalloran@correctiveservices.qld.gov.au
or Ross McSwain – 3239 3945/0407 657614 Ross.Mcswain@correctiveservices.qld.gov.au
October 3, 2008
Ms Spence said: “Mr Farrell has been a dedicated and hard working member of Queensland’s corrective services industry since he first joined the then Prisons Department in 1975.
“During his years of service, corrections in Queensland has undergone major change – with Queensland Corrective Services now recognised as a world leader in prisons management.
“Mr Farrell’s experience and knowledge have been invaluable to Queensland Corrective Services and we wish him well in his retirement.”
During Mr Farrell’s early years, he worked in several correctional centres and the Escort and Security Branch, before being appointed General Manager of Lotus Glen Correctional Centre in 2006.
He also held senior roles in Queensland Corrective Services’ (QCS) Human Resources, Administration and Finance and Special Projects departments and the Office of the Chief Inspector.
During his career, Alan helped establish the State’s original computer-based prisoner administration system – laying the foundations for today’s world-class system of managing prisoners’ sentences and rehabilitation.
In 2004, Alan was appointed Project Manager for the Business Model Review Implementation which changed the Agency’s organisational structure, functions and responsibilities.
He also conducted a major Agency review into the operation of the QCS Operational Support Services Unit and Dog Squad, which resulted in dedicated dog squads being aligned to every correctional centre.
QCS Acting Director-General Neil Whittaker said Alan implemented many reforms during his long and distinguished career.
“Alan was closely involved in the evolution of the prison system as it changed from punishment to rehabilitation,” he said.
“He delivered important outcomes in several key areas, laid the groundwork for some of the systems we use today and streamlined the way much of our business is conducted.”
Mr Whittaker said Alan’s personal qualities stood him in good stead throughout his professional and private lives.
“His honest, straight-up approach, passion for his work; and depth of experience at the coalface earned Alan much affection and respect,” he said.
“Alan has been an asset to all areas of corrective services – the Agency, his colleagues and prisoners.”
Alan followed in the footsteps of his father, Jack, who was appointed Superintendent of Wacol Prison in 1972 and then Chief Superintendent of Boggo Road Prison in 1975.
Alan’s son Scott and daughter Holly both currently work for QCS continuing a family tradition spanning almost 60 years.
Media Contact: Minister’s Office – 3239 6172
QCS Media: Peter O’Halloran – 3405 5391 Peter.Ohalloran@correctiveservices.qld.gov.au
or Ross McSwain – 3239 3945/0407 657614 Ross.Mcswain@correctiveservices.qld.gov.au
October 3, 2008