In the pursuit to lower the number of Aboriginal re-offenders the Glen Innes Community Corrections team have found the key to working towards breaking the cycle of reoffending.
This year on National Corrections Day, Community Services Officers provided some insight on how they plan to utilise Indigenous culture to help reduce the number of reoffenders.
Glen Innes Community Services Officer ,Yvette Duncan is a proud Gamilaraay woman who is supporting Aboriginal offenders to complete their community orders and work towards breaking the cycle of reoffending.
It is the hope of Ms Duncan that her work helps to break down barriers between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people.
"Having the insight into an offender's family kinship and cultural ties allows me to build rapport and increase respect and trust within what is already a very challenging process for Indigenous people," Ms Duncan said.
Acknowledging the important role Indigenous culture plays in rehabilitation, Ms Duncan is working to create a community that is conducive to helping break the cycle of reoffending.
"It's really important for me to create a more culturally inclusive community with less stereotyping and more community confidence in Indigenous peoples' abilities to break the cycle and achieve success, she said."
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Yvette Duncan is among 10,000 Corrective Services NSW staff that celebrated on National Corrections Day on Friday, January 15, for her commitment to community safety and reducing reoffending.
Glen Innes Community Corrections Manager Kate Alliston Manager says that Yvette's knowledge and experience is a valuable tool for working towards reducing reoffending among Aboriginal offenders.
"As a young Aboriginal employee, Yvette brings a wealth of cultural experience, knowledge and perspective to the workplace and to the broader community we service,Ms Alliston said."
"The work that Yvette does enhances our overall capability and contributes to fostering a community culture of trust, respect and inclusivity.
"Her presence as a frontline worker has resulted in a discernible shift in the way that offenders engage with not just office staff, but in the overall process of community supervision."
Staff held a morning tea to celebrate their work and thank key agencies and community partners for their invaluable contributions in working with Community Corrections to reduce reoffending.
National Corrections Day recognises the efforts of corrections staff who work with offenders to keep the community safe.
This year's theme for National Corrections Day is 'Working together to reduce reoffending', which focuses on the ways staff assist offenders through programs and education to promote good workplace culture and positive interactions.
Glen Innes Community Corrections office supervises offenders on community based orders in Glen Innes and the surrounding areas of Tenterfield, Deepwater, Emmaville, Glencoe, Dundee and Red Range.
