Officer brings cultural knowledge to Community Corrections role

Last published on 15 Jan 2021 

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.

The Glen Innes Community Services Officer says she hopes 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,” Yvette says.

“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.”

Yvette is among 10,000 Corrective Services NSW staff celebrated on National Corrections Day, Friday 15 January, for her commitment to community safety and reducing reoffending.

Manager Kate Alliston 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,” Kate says.

“Yvette is a valued member of our team and always steps up to help out when needed and takes on tasks with commitment and positivity. 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.”

Glen Innes Community Corrections office is located in the New England region and supervises offenders on community based orders in Glen Innes and the surrounding areas of Tenterfield, Deepwater, Emmaville, Glencoe, Dundee and Red Range.

Today 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.

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.
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