Mackay Community Corrections Officers awarded Covid-19 clasp

Mackay officers are among the first in Queensland to receive a special award for excellence that kept staff, prisoners, offenders and visitors alive during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thirteen Mackay-based Community Corrections Officers were this week awarded the Emergency Response Medal with Covid-19 clasp as a thanks for their commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe when the pandemic shut state and international borders. Picture: Contributed

Mackay officers are among the first in Queensland to receive a special award for excellence during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thirteen Community Corrections Officers were this week awarded the Emergency Response Medal with Covid-19 clasp as a thanks for their commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe when the pandemic shut state and international borders.

Corrections Minister Nikki Boyd said the “once-in-lifetime” pandemic had left few communities untouched as it killed more than seven million people worldwide and severed international supply chains.

“Queensland’s world-class health response and the work of QCS officers kept our correctional facilities safe with not a single prisoner, supervised individual, or staff fatality related to Covid-19,” Ms Boyd said.

“I want to thank the more than 6000 Corrections Officers receiving the Emergency Response Medal and Covid-19 clasp for their amazing achievement, commitment and ability to adapt quickly to the pandemic’s many challenges.

“The diligence of Queensland’s Corrections workforce saved lives.”

Thirteen Mackay-based Community Corrections Officers were this week awarded the Emergency Response Medal with Covid-19 clasp as a thanks for their commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe when the pandemic shut state and international borders. Picture: Contributed

Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert said the Mackay officers’ awards were “well deserved” with the “biggest beneficiary” of their hard work being the wider Mackay and Whitsunday communities.

“We know the jobs of Community Corrections Officers aren’t easy and that’s why awards like the Emergency Response Medal with Covid-19 clasp are well deserved and highly regarded,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“Community Corrections Officers often work in close and closed environments, making Covid-19 potentially deadly without vaccinations.”

QCC commissioner Paul Stewart said he was “incredibly proud” of the officers.

“I thank every member of our agency who contributed to successfully navigating these unique challenges as we adapted to a new normal during the pandemic,” Mr Stewart said.

“This medal recognises the efforts and professionalism of everyone to ensure the safety of our officers, prisoners, offenders and visitors to our workplaces.”

The Emergency Response medallion features a central roundel of the State Badge of Queensland including a Crown of Saint Edward atop a Maltese Cross.

The ribbon features colours of maroon, white and navy blue to signify the QCS, community health and hope for the future.