Communities and Justice

Danielle and Cindy are working hard to keep Parramatta safe

Last published on 04 Jan 2021 

Two Parramatta Community Corrections staffers are being recognised for their commitment to reducing the reoffending rates of parolees and people on community service work in the Western Sydney area.

Danielle Newson and Cindy Cheong are among 10,000 Corrective Services NSW staff being celebrated on National Corrections Day, Friday 15 January.

“One of my current offenders, who has been in the criminal justice system for an extensive period of time, has made some noteworthy progress,” Community Corrections officer Danielle says.

“When he came onto parole, he often presented as chaotic. We enlisted him in our Local Coordinated Multi-agency program, and he was offered housing, access to the disability support pension and a mental health review for assistance with medication.

“Reducing reoffending is at the crux of what we do in Community Corrections. It is essentially about ensuring that offenders are provided with the best opportunities to succeed.”

The Local Coordinated Multi-agency program brings together government agencies and services including health, housing and police to share information and resources to ensure an offender’s needs are being met and their risk is being managed.

Cindy is the coordinator of the program at the Parramatta Community Corrections office on Church Street.

“What I really like about my job is contributing to make a difference in offenders’ lives, celebrating any small wins or milestones and collaborating with community stakeholders,” Cindy says.

“The aim of reducing reoffending is about keeping the community safe, making a difference in the offenders’ lives, making positive lifestyle choices and change.

“It is to enhance the quality of life of the people of NSW, and to increase community safety and confidence in the local management of priority adult reoffenders.”

The 2021 National Corrections Day theme is Working together to reduce reoffending, focusing on the ways our staff assist offenders through programs, education, promoting a good workplace culture and positive interactions.

CSNSW includes about 5,000 custodial officers, 1,800 Community Corrections staff, 750 industries workers, 720 psychologists and programs officers and 1,170 Security and Intelligence staff.

CSNSW media inquiries: 0419 258 290 – calls only, no SMS

Last updated:

15 Nov 2021