Rowena Mustard made the ultimate escape from prison last month as she retired from the Glen Innes Correctional Centre.
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The much-loved Glen Innes Correctional Centre manager of security has hung up her blue uniform for the final time after a 37-year career with Correctional Services NSW (CSNSW).
Last month staff farewelled Ms Mustard with mixed emotions of sadness and gratitude for her contribution to the centre and the positive impact she had in the region.
Ms Mustard was pleasantly surprised by the incredible send-off.
"My final day was very emotional, made even more so by the amazing efforts my colleagues went to in order to surprise me with such a heart-warming send off, when all I was hoping for was a staff barbecue," she said.
"I have been so fortunate during my career to work alongside many inspiring and talented people in CSNSW and I leave with fond memories."
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Looking back on her career, Ms Mustard couldn't help but fondly recall one of the moments that will stick with her.
"One of my career highlights was my work back in the late 1990s when I introduced a women's mental health unit at Silverwater Correctional Centre, creating programs and services for an area that had not previously received much attention," she said.
At a ceremony on Wednesday, December 8, at Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy, Ms Mustard was presented with the Assistant Commissioner's Commendation for her service to keeping the community safe.
She received a Minister's Commendation for her leadership during the 2019-20 bushfire emergency when fires threatened the centre and she led its safe evacuation, the first time a prison had been evacuated in NSW.
During retirement, Ms Mustard looks forward to catching up with friends and exploring the country now that the borders have re-opened.
"I am very excited to travel in my caravan with my beloved dog Ruger, who also recently retired from his residency at the centre, and just take it easy and see what Australia has to offer," she said.