A Queensland first - officers receive Australian Corrections Medals

For the first time ever, Queensland Correctional Service officers have been awarded an Australian Corrections Medal.

On Monday, the Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Paul de Jersey, AC, presented QCS officer Leslie Elliott with his medal at an investiture ceremony in Townsville.

Mr Elliott, Correctional Manager Farm, Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, was one of two Queensland officers to receive the ACM in the 2018 Australia Day Honours List.

The other was Ursula Roeder, Regional Manager, North Coast Region, Probation and Parole Service.

Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan said the ACM was awarded for distinguished service by an operational member of an Australian civilian correctional service.

“The ACM represents what we have always known to be true about Queensland Corrective Services,” Mr Ryan said.

“Every day, in all corners of our State, we have officers like Mr Elliott who are working to protect the community.

“The establishment of the ACM, by recognition of Her Majesty, The Queen, is the highest recognition possible critical role our staff play to keep the community safe.

“I’d like to congratulate Les on being the first QCS officer to receive Australian Corrections Medal.”

Career Highlights:

Les Elliott commenced employment with QCS as a prison officer at Her Majesty's Prison Rockhampton in 1979.

During his career he has served in a range of roles including as Staff Development Officer, Programs Officer, Dog Squad Officer, and as acting Deputy General Manager and General Manager at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre.

Mr Elliott was appointed to his current position as Correctional Manager Farm, Lotus Glen Correctional Centre in 1995.

The Centre functions as a fully operational farm with beef cattle, orchards, banana plantation, eucalypt plantation and market garden.

In 2006, Mr Elliott was instrumental in the establishment of the permanent low security prisoner Work Camp at Innisfail, which now houses 12 prisoners.

The camp provided critical recovery assistance to the Innisfail community following the impact of Cyclone Larry and since then has provided essential community support recovery activities in the wake of Cyclones Yasi and Ida.

On a daily basis, prisoners from Lotus Glen provide community services to the Mareeba, Tablelands and Cassowary Coast Council areas, and to a number of local not-for-profit organisations.

Photos available here ..

Media contact: Phil Willmington 0411535180