Minister for Corrective Services, Mark Ryan MP, today joined Queensland Corrective Services Deputy Commissioner Gary McCahon in commissioning a memorial wall and garden paying tribute to past officers.
Townsville Correctional Complex was first commissioned on the site at Stuart Creek on April 9,1893, and the memorial recognises generations of former officers who served at the historic facility.
The memorial wall has 105 plaques with the names of officers who died during their service or after retirement from the facility.
Minister Ryan, who also was joined at the commissioning by Member for Mundingburra Les Walker, congratulated officers who built the Remembrance Memorial.
“The importance of us coming together to recognise the service of former officers cannot be underestimated,” Minister Ryan said.
“Townsville Correctional Complex is the oldest continual prison site in Queensland and has an important place in the history of the state.”
Mr Walker said corrections officers played a key role on the front-line in keeping communities safe.
“Townsville Correctional Complex has been and is still served by outstanding officers, who everyday are dedicated to ensuring the people of North Queensland can go securely about their everyday lives,” Mr Walker said.
“Being a former corrections officer, I know how important it is to recognise the essential role they play.”
Queensland Corrective Services Deputy Commissioner Gary McCahon, who commenced his correctional career at Townsville, acknowledged the important public safety work undertaken on the site.
“We as an agency have countless interactions with prisoners every day, some through the regular course of their duties and some through emergent situations,” Deputy Commissioner McCahon said.
“The Townsville Officer Remembrance Memorial honours those who have walked the floors before and recognises the commitment, dedication and bravery of all past, present and future correctional officers.
“The Officer Remembrance Memorial is a testament to the value placed upon officers here in Townville and across the state.
“I want to pay tribute to Townville Correctional Centre General Manager, Chief Superintendent Louise Kneeshaw and the team of officers who collaborated to create this fitting memorial.
“The initiative to create the garden and wall and Chief Superintendent Kneeshaw’s unwavering commitment to this cause, is commendable,” Deputy Commissioner McCahon said.
