Closing the door on corrections

Published: 8 Jul 2024

Hats off to our Director Prisoner Services, Louise Blacker who is embarking on a new adventure after 36 years with NT Correctional Services!

Louise has worn many hats herself, most recently providing offender management services, including rehabilitation, sentence management, health and welfare support, and education and vocational training to improve offender outcomes and reduce reoffending rates.

Starting as the typing pool assistant in 1988, Louise has worked in Community Corrections as a probation and parole officer and regional manager for the Alice Springs office before returning to the correctional centre where she manages the rehabilitation and engagement teams.

Louise’s job enables her to work with a diverse group of people, something she enjoys and credits to NT Correctional Services’ progress.

“I get to see how strong the team is and how dedicated staff are to getting the job done – regardless of barriers or complexities outside of their remit.”

Louise’s longstanding commitment and dedication to her jobs awarded her the first recipient of the Australian Corrections Medal in 2018 for the NT and a trip to Namibia for an international conference, which Louise counts as the two biggest highlights of her career.

On 4 July, Louise will hang her NT Correctional Services’ hat up and bid adieu to the team she has led, supported and worked with over her incredible career.

“Louise is one of our longest serving members of staff who has spent her career supporting prisoner development. We will miss Louise and her positive approach, especially here in Alice Springs Correctional Centre.” Bill Carroll, General Manager Alice Springs Correctional Centre.

We thank Louise for her dedication and devotion, and wish her all the best for her retirement!