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PACCOA to Sponsor Tasmanian Artists With Conviction Award
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Artists with Conviction is a creative showcase featuring artwork and writing by individuals connected to the Tasmania Prison Service (TPS), including incarcerated people, people on parole or community corrections orders and even Department of Justice staff. This year, the exhibition will be held at Good Grief Studios, an artist-run space in Hobart.
Paintings, drawings, sculptures and woodwork pieces made by incarcerated people will be sold during the exhibition, with all funds going directly to the artists. Artists and writers are eligible for awards judged by Tasmanian authors and members of the local arts community. Sharing personal stories through art takes courage. It builds confidence and a sense of achievement. We’re proud to be celebrating 15 years of Artists with Conviction, and we look forward to sharing images and stories once the exhibition wraps up at the end of November. Artists with Conviction runs from 8–20 November 2025 at Good Grief Studios, Hobart. |
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After Darwin: Reflections from PACCOA’s President on Our 2025 National Conference
As the dust settles on the PACCOA 2025 National Conference, held in the heart of the Northern Territory, I find myself reflecting with immense pride, gratitude, and hope. Darwin proved to be much more than a spectacular setting for our gathering, it became a crucible for connection, courage, and transformative change.
Stepping into Darwin’s tropical embrace, delegates were greeted by endless blue skies, balmy evenings, and a vibrancy that seems to pulse through the city’s core. Between invigorating sessions, we stole moments along the waterfront, shared laughs over local delicacies, and marvelled at sunset hues over the Timor Sea. The markets, music, and spontaneous encounters reminded me: real innovation doesn’t just happen in conference rooms, but in the spaces between, over coffee, on walks, in quiet conversations that spark new perspectives.
For many, the Awards Night was a particular highlight, a joyful celebration under the stars, where stories and achievements lit up the evening as surely as any lantern.
Over three enriching days, PACCOA welcomed voices from every state and territory, practitioners, researchers, advocates, and, critically, those with lived experience. Our shared vision was palpable: justice reform rooted in community, innovation, and inclusion.
One of our most meaningful moments was honouring those whose contributions have shaped justice across Australia:
All nominees reminded us that excellence is found in quiet perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to do things differently.
Throughout the conference, the courage to ask hard questions, and build the tools to answer them, was clear. Whether it was Darryl Gardner’s galvanizing keynote “Rolling with the Punches” or the moving accounts of alternative justice pathways and cultural healing, delegates leaned into complexity, ready to reimagine what justice could be.
Workshops on trauma-informed supervision, practice leadership, and survivor-driven responses urged us to go beyond policy, demanding reflection, creativity, and collaboration.
The momentum built in Darwin propels us forward. I’m thrilled to announce that our next National Conference will be held in Canberra, forging new pathways to bring policy, practice, and lived experience even closer together. In the nation’s capital, we will continue our commitment to building inclusive justice systems.
Stay tuned for details, we can’t wait to see even more practitioners, advocates, and changemakers come together.
Leaving Darwin, my strongest feeling is gratitude, for the generosity of our speakers, facilitators, and attendees; for the city’s warmth; and, most of all, for our sector’s unwavering dedication to justice done differently. If the conference taught me anything, it is that innovation comes not just from new ideas but from genuine connection and the courage to listen.
Let’s keep building, together.
Daniel Lang
President, PACCOA
Stepping into Darwin’s tropical embrace, delegates were greeted by endless blue skies, balmy evenings, and a vibrancy that seems to pulse through the city’s core. Between invigorating sessions, we stole moments along the waterfront, shared laughs over local delicacies, and marvelled at sunset hues over the Timor Sea. The markets, music, and spontaneous encounters reminded me: real innovation doesn’t just happen in conference rooms, but in the spaces between, over coffee, on walks, in quiet conversations that spark new perspectives.
For many, the Awards Night was a particular highlight, a joyful celebration under the stars, where stories and achievements lit up the evening as surely as any lantern.
Over three enriching days, PACCOA welcomed voices from every state and territory, practitioners, researchers, advocates, and, critically, those with lived experience. Our shared vision was palpable: justice reform rooted in community, innovation, and inclusion.
- Keynote & Panels: Sessions ranged from domestic and family violence practice leadership to neurodivergence, FASD-informed practice, LGBTQI inclusion, and alternatives to custody. Each presentation reinforced the vital importance of listening first, ethical practice starts with hearing and valuing the insights of those who’ve lived the journey.
- Workforce Wellbeing: The theme of workforce resilience echoed throughout, sessions on positive supervision and practice enhancement offered skills for strong, compassionate leadership. Kindness, we learned, is not a soft skill but an essential one.
- Spotlight Session: Dr. Hayley Passmore, Magistrate Alana Padmanabham, Jane Stewart, and Helen Loreck led an exceptional session on improving justice responses for youth with complex needs, drawing lessons from the Banksia Hill Detention Centre Study. Their work demonstrates the power of collaboration in turning research into practical, inclusive solutions.
One of our most meaningful moments was honouring those whose contributions have shaped justice across Australia:
- Tony Hill Award: Congratulations to Samuel Stephens (QLD) for his fierce advocacy for victims of domestic violence, leadership in training, and commitment to dignity and empowerment.
- John Augustus Award: The Alternative to Custody Program (NT) stood out for its trauma-informed, culturally responsive rehabilitation led by Aboriginal organisations, setting a new standard.
- Life Member Award: Karen Bailey (QLD) was recognized for her years of selfless service and leadership. We also celebrated Tony Shillabeer’s retirement after 32 years; his warmth and dedication continue to inspire.
All nominees reminded us that excellence is found in quiet perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to do things differently.
Throughout the conference, the courage to ask hard questions, and build the tools to answer them, was clear. Whether it was Darryl Gardner’s galvanizing keynote “Rolling with the Punches” or the moving accounts of alternative justice pathways and cultural healing, delegates leaned into complexity, ready to reimagine what justice could be.
Workshops on trauma-informed supervision, practice leadership, and survivor-driven responses urged us to go beyond policy, demanding reflection, creativity, and collaboration.
The momentum built in Darwin propels us forward. I’m thrilled to announce that our next National Conference will be held in Canberra, forging new pathways to bring policy, practice, and lived experience even closer together. In the nation’s capital, we will continue our commitment to building inclusive justice systems.
Stay tuned for details, we can’t wait to see even more practitioners, advocates, and changemakers come together.
Leaving Darwin, my strongest feeling is gratitude, for the generosity of our speakers, facilitators, and attendees; for the city’s warmth; and, most of all, for our sector’s unwavering dedication to justice done differently. If the conference taught me anything, it is that innovation comes not just from new ideas but from genuine connection and the courage to listen.
Let’s keep building, together.
Daniel Lang
President, PACCOA
PACCOA Conference - Full Schedule Released
Day One: Wednesday 13th August
Day Two: Thursday 14th August
Day Three: Friday 15th August
- 8:15am: Registration Opens / Collect Bags
- 8:45am: Welcome messages & housekeeping
- Welcome to Country by OneMob
- Opening address by the Northern Territory Commissioner
- 9:30am: Keynote Speaker: Paul A. McNamara – Lessons from the Lock Up
- 10:45am: Morning tea
- 11:15am: Jackie Yammine (NSW) – Gender Perspectives and Women’s Role in Violent Extremism
- 11:45am: Leni Garske (QLD) – Toowoomba Cultural Reporting Room & Soft Referral Program
- 12:15pm: Rebecca Hewson (QLD) – Critical Responsivity: Neurodivergence and Correctional Service Delivery
- 12:35pm: Lunch
- 1:15pm: Michelle Shields (NSW) – Thinking Outside the Box to Enhance Supervision of Clients in Remote Areas
- 2:00pm: Saroj Sodhani & Louise Kelly (SA) – HIVE
- 2:30pm: Afternoon tea
- 3:00pm: Panel Discussion: Innovative and Inclusive Approaches in Community Corrections
- 4:00pm: Close of day
Day Two: Thursday 14th August
- 8:30am: Recap of Day One and Awards Night
- 8:45am: Keynote Speaker: Darryl Gardner – Rolling with the Punches
- 10:15am: Morning tea
- 10:45am: Claire Grundy & Michelle Micallef (NSW) – DFSVAP Training Program
- 11:45am: Sheena Neil & Tammy Lewis (NT) – Strengthening Responses to Domestic, Family and Sexual Offending
- 12:30pm: Lunch
- 1:15pm: Storm Masters (NSW) – Bridging the Gap Between Terminal Illness and Corrective Services
- 2:15pm: Ryan Harber (SA) – Yalakiana Tapa
- 2:45pm: Afternoon tea
- 3:00pm: Eloise Cole (NT) – Alternative to Custody: Doing Things Differently
- 4:00pm: Panel Discussion: Building Resilience and Responsivity
- 5:00pm: Close of day
Day Three: Friday 15th August
- 8:45am: Recap of Day Two
- 9:00am: Keynote Speaker: Sophie Harrington – No FASD
- 10:30am: Morning tea
- 11:00am: Dr Hayley Passmore, Magistrate Alana Padmanabham, Jane Stewart & Helen Loreck (WA) – Innovation and Inclusion Within Justice Services
- 12:00pm: Krista Clark (WA) – LGBTQI+ and Community Corrections
- 12:45pm: Lunch
- 1:30pm: Carly McMillan, Deb Markou & Maria Popova (NSW) – Managing with Kindness
- 2:30pm: Conference Reflections
- 3:00pm: Close
PACCOA Conference 13-15 August 2025: Call for Papers
Join us in Darwin, NT on 13-15 August 2025 for the Probation and Community Correction Officer’s Association (PACCOA) conference. This year’s theme is Inclusive Justice: Bridging Gaps and Strengthening Community Corrections. This theme emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in enhancing community corrections practices. It aims to address the challenges faced in the field by fostering innovative approaches that strengthen community ties and support justice for all individuals, particularly marginalized groups.
In light of the ongoing challenges faced in the field, PACCOA aims to address the critical need for inclusive practices and innovative solutions within community corrections. This conference will provide a platform for practitioners, academics, and stakeholders to share insights and strategies relevant to corrective services.
The conference will offer presenters the unique opportunity to share their insights and innovations in front of thousands of professionals in community corrections and the broader corrections sphere. This event will not only be held in person, allowing for dynamic face-to-face interactions, but will also be livestreamed across the country, ensuring that your ideas reach a wide audience. Whether you choose to engage with the main audience or lead a smaller workshop or join a discussion panel, this is an exceptional platform to influence the future of community corrections and connect with like-minded professionals dedicated to fostering inclusive justice. Don’t miss your chance to make an impact!
Submissions are sought on topics that align with the theme, focusing on enhancing community corrections through innovation, inclusivity and collaboration. The conference will be held both face-to-face and online, facilitating broader participation from across the nation. Presenters will have the opportunity to engage with the main audience or conduct smaller workshops.
Submission Guidelines:
Please submit your response to Daniel Lang at [email protected] by close of business on 31 January 2025. If you require longer, please contact Daniel.
In light of the ongoing challenges faced in the field, PACCOA aims to address the critical need for inclusive practices and innovative solutions within community corrections. This conference will provide a platform for practitioners, academics, and stakeholders to share insights and strategies relevant to corrective services.
The conference will offer presenters the unique opportunity to share their insights and innovations in front of thousands of professionals in community corrections and the broader corrections sphere. This event will not only be held in person, allowing for dynamic face-to-face interactions, but will also be livestreamed across the country, ensuring that your ideas reach a wide audience. Whether you choose to engage with the main audience or lead a smaller workshop or join a discussion panel, this is an exceptional platform to influence the future of community corrections and connect with like-minded professionals dedicated to fostering inclusive justice. Don’t miss your chance to make an impact!
Submissions are sought on topics that align with the theme, focusing on enhancing community corrections through innovation, inclusivity and collaboration. The conference will be held both face-to-face and online, facilitating broader participation from across the nation. Presenters will have the opportunity to engage with the main audience or conduct smaller workshops.
Submission Guidelines:
- Author/s name/s
- Brief biography
- Title of the paper
- Outline of the proposed paper (maximum one page)
- Contact details
- Approx length of presentation
- Indicate if you intend to present to the whole audience, a smaller workshop, discussion panel or all three.
Please submit your response to Daniel Lang at [email protected] by close of business on 31 January 2025. If you require longer, please contact Daniel.
Kerry Thomas Scholarship: Successful Recipients Report
Congratulations to Anthony Wright & Jac Dent who were the successful applicants of the Kerry Thomas Scholarship 2024/25.
Both applicants have utilised their Scholarship funding to undertake significant professional development activities to advance their skills and aptitudes in Corrections. Please see the below comments from both members:
Anthony Wright
I am honoured to have received the 2024 Kerry Thomas Scholarship to support my pursuit of a Graduate Diploma in Counselling
The decision to return to study was driven by my commitment to professional growth; in particular to expand my case management expertise beyond what brief internal training programs can offer. While many counselling concepts—such as active listening, rapport building, motivational interviewing, empathy, effective goal setting, constructive challenging, and trauma-informed practice—are integral to corrections work and at times form part of internal training, formal study enables me to deepen my understanding and application of these skills.
Through this program, I have built on existing practices, enriched my theoretical knowledge, and acquired new competencies, including in Brief Intervention Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and trauma awareness. These skills will significantly enhance my ability to manage and support offenders effectively, having already utilised new skills in my practice in the early stages of study.
I thank PACCOA for their support through the Kerry Thomas Scholarship.
Jac Dent
I participated in a Mental Health First Aid course through ‘All About Tranquil’ health and well-being. I was able to do this with the funding provided through PACCOA. I applied for the scholarship with the support of my manager and it was an easy straightforward process. The course equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to identify, connect with and respond to those facing mental health challenges. I have been able to put these skills to use both within my workplace and my personal life.
Both applicants have utilised their Scholarship funding to undertake significant professional development activities to advance their skills and aptitudes in Corrections. Please see the below comments from both members:
Anthony Wright
I am honoured to have received the 2024 Kerry Thomas Scholarship to support my pursuit of a Graduate Diploma in Counselling
The decision to return to study was driven by my commitment to professional growth; in particular to expand my case management expertise beyond what brief internal training programs can offer. While many counselling concepts—such as active listening, rapport building, motivational interviewing, empathy, effective goal setting, constructive challenging, and trauma-informed practice—are integral to corrections work and at times form part of internal training, formal study enables me to deepen my understanding and application of these skills.
Through this program, I have built on existing practices, enriched my theoretical knowledge, and acquired new competencies, including in Brief Intervention Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and trauma awareness. These skills will significantly enhance my ability to manage and support offenders effectively, having already utilised new skills in my practice in the early stages of study.
I thank PACCOA for their support through the Kerry Thomas Scholarship.
Jac Dent
I participated in a Mental Health First Aid course through ‘All About Tranquil’ health and well-being. I was able to do this with the funding provided through PACCOA. I applied for the scholarship with the support of my manager and it was an easy straightforward process. The course equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to identify, connect with and respond to those facing mental health challenges. I have been able to put these skills to use both within my workplace and my personal life.
Kerry Thomas Scholarship: Applications are now open
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In partnership, the Parole and Probation Officer’s Association of NSW (PPOA) and the Probation and Community Correction Officer’s Association (PACCOA) are delighted to announce that applications are open for the Kerry Thomas Education Scholarship.
Who can apply? Current financial members of the Probation and Parole Officers’ Association (PPOA) NSW and The Probation and Community Corrections Officers’ Association Inc (PACCOA) can apply. Eligible applicants must be active financial members of PPOA and/or PACCOA; life members who wish to apply must also be making active current financial contributions to PPOA and/or PACCOA to be eligible for the scholarship. Current members of the PPOA/PACCOA Executive Boards are precluded from applying. How do I apply? Applications must be made on the official application form which can be found here Application Form. Once completed applications are to be emailed to: [email protected] Applications close on the 31 July 2024. Further information and Scholarship rules can be found by clicking here. |
Testimonial
"The Kerry Thomas Scholarship provided me an opportunity to source an alternate course that was flexible, and I could tailor to my needs. It was an opportunity to step away from mandated training. Through the scholarship I demonstrated I was taking ownership of my professional development with the aim of strengthening my skill set to propel me towards a higher level of performance, behaviour and mindset. The scholarship was easy to apply for and is a rare opportunity to select a tailored course of my choosing." |
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'I Am Not My Crime' Podcast
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PACCOA are delighted to be able to share Dr Suzanne Reich's latest podcast.
Dr Reich is the Program Director and Senior Lecturer (Criminology and Criminal Justice) at the University of Southern Queensland and is also a valued member of PACCOA.
Dr Reich is very excited to share this podcast she produced with Spencer Howson.
From the Website:
"I Am Not My Crime" features courageous people telling you the story about the crimes they have committed and their journey to redemption. As you make your way through this first season you will notice a couple of common themes: the importance of other people, opportunities for employment, and being welcomed back into society are what really matter for supporting change and a life lived differently. "I Am Not My Crime" has been produced to help you understand that for many people it is their circumstances that led them down the path to offending behaviour and that what somebody has done in the past is not an indication of who they are today.
Presented by University of Southern Queensland Criminologist Dr Suzanne Reich, each episode concludes with the latest research about why people commit the crime or crimes that have been discussed."
Dr Reich says the best way for people to follow the release of the upcoming episodes is to either subscribe to the respective podcast platforms to receive notifications, follow her on Twitter, or both.
You can listen to the podcast via:
USQ PODBEAN: https://usqedu.podbean.com/e/i-am-not-my-crime-kate/
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wXap1TqnvQxpZVrvIXWwv?si=pEbXqP_iTT2qRf-4pzMobA
APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/usq-podcasts/id1333366258
URL: iamnotmycrime.com
Dr Reich is the Program Director and Senior Lecturer (Criminology and Criminal Justice) at the University of Southern Queensland and is also a valued member of PACCOA.
Dr Reich is very excited to share this podcast she produced with Spencer Howson.
From the Website:
"I Am Not My Crime" features courageous people telling you the story about the crimes they have committed and their journey to redemption. As you make your way through this first season you will notice a couple of common themes: the importance of other people, opportunities for employment, and being welcomed back into society are what really matter for supporting change and a life lived differently. "I Am Not My Crime" has been produced to help you understand that for many people it is their circumstances that led them down the path to offending behaviour and that what somebody has done in the past is not an indication of who they are today.
Presented by University of Southern Queensland Criminologist Dr Suzanne Reich, each episode concludes with the latest research about why people commit the crime or crimes that have been discussed."
Dr Reich says the best way for people to follow the release of the upcoming episodes is to either subscribe to the respective podcast platforms to receive notifications, follow her on Twitter, or both.
You can listen to the podcast via:
USQ PODBEAN: https://usqedu.podbean.com/e/i-am-not-my-crime-kate/
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wXap1TqnvQxpZVrvIXWwv?si=pEbXqP_iTT2qRf-4pzMobA
APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/usq-podcasts/id1333366258
URL: iamnotmycrime.com
TasPAC's Inaugural Meeting: A Great Milestone for Tasmania
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The first meeting of TasPAC, a Tasmanian statewide PACCOA sub-committee, was held at Campbell Town on 16 October, with 12 of the 15 committee members able to attend. We had a productive day of future planning and networking
"It was great to finally get together in person in this world of online connecting, and I hope we can make it at least an annual event." - Liz Moore, Delegate, Tasmania "This photo depicts the birth of a new team of PACCOA members, taking on projects locally in Tasmania. What a great milestone, and well done Liz, for creating this opportunity for members there. I am sure we will hear great things coming from Tasmania" - Yolanda Sanders, President |
Back row - Jo, Andrew (Andy), Bonnie, Kimmy, Hayley, Zie, Liz and Amanda; Front row - Jane, Sophie, Oliver and Jess.
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