Acting Correctional Manager, Tara, from Helana Jones Centre (HJC) joined Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) almost 16 years ago to pursue a career where she could make a difference.
“I have always been driven to achieve better outcomes for the community and joining QCS as a Custodial Correctional Officer (CCO) at Capricornia Correctional Centre when I was 23 allowed me to start on this journey,” Tara said.
Tara worked as a CCO at Capricornia for five years before she transferred to Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre where she was appointed Supervisor in 2020.
She has been at HJC for seven months working with the women who undertake community service both for the community and their own development.
“Helana Jones Centre is heavily involved within the community. We all work together as a team to support the women and are committed to engaging them in projects which assist in their rehabilitation and providing goods and services for the local community.
“The women engage in community service projects in accordance with their skills and ability and any medical conditions and/or physical limitation.
“Some of the projects include general maintenance work at some of the local cemeteries, cleaning at a local community centre which provides legal and domestic violence support to the local community, and sewing for Days for Girls which is a not-for-profit organisation assisting women and girls around the world with vital health information and access to hygiene products.
“The centre also assists the Endeavour Foundation with their workload by delivering the work to HJC and the community service work is completed onsite. We value and are proud of the positive relationships we have with all of our stakeholders.
“The community service work undertaken at HJC contributes to the rehabilitation of the women in many ways including learning new skills, the ability to participate in community life so they are ready to transition back into the community once they are discharged, and increasing their opportunities to be financially independent and secure once discharged.”
Helana Jones Centre is a female only low custody centre based on the northside of Brisbane which accommodates up to 26 low risk female prisoners in home-style accommodation. At the centre, prisoners also have the opportunity to have their children live with them in custody if deemed appropriate.
“Women transition from secure custody to this low custody facility and prepare for discharge back into the community,” Tara said.
“We have the ability to engage the women accommodated here in order to complete thorough case management which assists greatly with their transitioning back into the community.
“They are provided with numerous opportunities to engage in productive and responsible living and making wise choices and as manager at the centre, I notice a sense of pride amongst them in what they do in the community.
“Working in a correctional environment is very dynamic and given the nature of our work, we are faced with different challenges each day.
“Building resilience and continually learning have helped me overcome challenges within my own roles and this is advice I often pass on to my colleagues and peers.”
Tara was born in Rockhampton and is a proud Aboriginal woman from the Darumbal Country.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and keeping fit.
“It is important for those interested in joining corrections to have an understanding of people with diverse backgrounds because we encounter this on a daily basis,” she said.
“I also recommend you have the ability to express empathy, promote positive relationships and pro socially model behaviours. All of which have assisted me greatly in all of my roles within Queensland Corrective Services.”
