National Corrections Day annually recognises the dedicated efforts of correctional officers and support staff, acknowledging their crucial role in public safety, prisoner rehabilitation, and reintegration. As part of celebrating this day, Brett McMerrin, recently appointed Operations Director Justice, visited Adelaide Remand Centre to celebrate the amazing work our teams do every day.
“It [National Corrections Day] raises awareness about the contributions of correctional officers and staff in maintaining public safety, rehabilitating prisoners, and promoting the amazing work that goes unnoticed.”
With over 20 years’ experience in corrections, Brett is excited for the continuation of advancements in technology, improved rehabilitation strategies, and evolving approaches to prisoner management, aiming for more effective and humane systems that address both the needs of prisoners and the broader goals of public safety.
Acknowledging the challenging nature of working within a corrections environment, it is important that our people’s safety and wellbeing are a priority, as well as creating opportunities and programs for inmates to rehabilitate and reintegrate back into our communities.
As an advocate for community engagement, Brett believes it “plays a crucial role in supporting the work in prisons by fostering collaboration, understanding, and rehabilitation, helping build bridges between prisons and the community, promoting a sense of shared responsibility for the reintegration of prisons. This involvement can lead to greater support networks for released individuals, increased access to resources, and enhanced community safety through a collaborative approach to addressing the root causes of their behaviour.”
In celebration of National Corrections Day, teams across AsPac engaged in various activities, with the Acacia Prison team focusing on staff wellness, offering sessions on mindfulness, negotiation skills, therapy dogs, and more. Clarence Correctional Centre, Adelaide Remand Centre and Auckland South Corrections Facility marked the day with local celebrations.