Great day for Forbes Community Corrections with nine members of the local office receiving a Semper Deinceps Medal. The award recipients are picture with Forbes Mayor Phylis Miller and special guest Assistant Director Operations, West District Community Corrections, Craig Flanagan.
Semper Deinceps is Latin for Always Forward. This medal acknowledges the Corrective Services NSW staff that continued to persist and push through the pandemic despite the challenges it brought.
Mayor Phyllis Miller, this week presented Forbes Community Corrections Officers with their medals in front of family and friends.
Manager Kellie Becquet addressed the medal recipients with the following message: “Having worked for NSW Community Corrections for the past 20 years, it is an honor to be recognised by our organisation for the work we undertook during the COVID pandemic. It was for all an unsettling time. There were definitely concerns around the unknown and how that may have affected our family and loved ones.
During that pandemic, Community Corrections continued to focus on keeping our community safe and delivering a service to the people of NSW. I would like to extend this acknowledgement to all front-line workers, our health and law enforcement. I especially acknowledge all who keep our community going, our supermarkets, truck drivers and farmers. I also acknowledge those businesses in hospitality and retail that were brought to their knees. As a community we grow stronger together no matter what the battle.”
Craig Flanagan, Assistant Director Operations, West District Community Corrections also attended the ceremony and presented the Forbes Community Corrections with a Directors Commendation for Dedication and group effort during local flooding events throughout 2022, which impacted local teams, and offices. In recognition of the support, teamwork, resilience and the continued commitment to service that was displayed daily.
Kellie also thanked Lara Constable from Larz Coffee fix for donating the catering of a lovely morning tea for all in attendance at the award ceremony.
Medal recipient Anthony Towney, was born and raised in Gilgandra and went on to serve on the police force for 19 years, 16 years of those as a Community Liaison Officer. Anthony moved into working with Community Corrections and has been doing so now for almost 12 years. Anthony is currently working as an Aboriginal Community and Cultural Engagement Officer.
“You don’t look for accolades, but when you get recognised for the work you do, it is very rewarding,” said Anthony. All of the Forbes medal recipients were proud to be able to share their achievements with family and friends.
When COVID-19 first hit it was unknown and a scary time for all. Of his time working on the front-line during the initial stages of the pandemic, Anthony said, “You want to know that when you are going to work that you are protected, and it is a safe work environment. This is something that Community Corrections does really well.”