Maryborough custodial supervisor Shane Allwood recognised on Australia Day

A Maryborough corrections supervisor who helps protect vulnerable prisoners and de-escalate conflicts has been honoured for his dedication to the job.

Custodial Supervisor Shane Allwood has served more than 19 years within Queensland Corrective Services.

During his 19 years working in corrections, Shane Allwood has seen many things.

He has witnessed people turn their lives around, seen more women come into the industry across a range of positions, and has worked to protect vulnerable prisoners.

The Maryborough Correctional Centre employee had his work recognised during the Australia Day Honours, receiving the Australian Corrections Medal.

Speaking to the Chronicle this week, the custodial supervisor said it was a challenging and worthwhile career.

Mr Allwood started his career as a custodial corrections officer in Townsville.

His present role involves managing high-risk portfolios including breaches of discipline, safety orders, the high-risk register and portfolio, including prisoners of concern.

His impartial decision-making, described by QCS as “exemplary”, is relied upon for advice from other correctional supervisors and custodial correctional officers.

Mr Allwood’s primary focus is on de-escalation of any incidents inside the prison and resolving conflict.

The protection of vulnerable prisoners was also one of his priorities, whether that was elderly prisoners, those with a disability or cognitive impairment or transgender prisoners.

He said ensuring their needs were met and they were kept safe was a crucial part of his job.

One of the best parts of his job was seeing the rehabilitation of prisoners, Mr Allwood said.

“We definitely do see rehabilitation and prisoners who do want to be helped,” he said.

While some came back to prison repeatedly, many others did not reoffend, Mr Allwood said.

Custodial Supervisor Shane Allwood has served more than 19 years within Queensland Corrective Services.

“They use that time to better themselves.”

Mr Allwood, who has also been an auxiliary firefighter for 27 years, said his time in corrections helped gain a better understanding of people and different cultures.

He said the sense of camaraderie and work-life balance offered by the industry was what had made him to commit to a career in the industry, as well as the opportunity to help people better themselves.

Seeing more women join the ranks during his time as an officer had also been pleasing, he said.

“They bring a different perspective and different interactions with prisoners in a positive way,” Mr Allwood said.

Assistant Commissioner Eloise Hamlett and Superintendent Rhiannon Porter also received the Australian Corrections Medal.

QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart congratulated the three officers for their service and commitment to the public safety agency.

“Our officers work tirelessly every day to improve the lives of those in our custody and care and we value their contribution and also never losing sight of the core work of our agency – making Queensland safer for everybody,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“On behalf of all QCS officers, congratulations to Eloise, Rhiannon and Shane for their outstanding commitment to the safety of the community and creating stronger communities.”