Latest news with #CorrectiveServices
The Advertiser
7 days ago
- The Advertiser
Woman charged over daughter's murder taken to hospital
A mother accused of fatally stabbing her three-year-old daughter has been rushed to hospital after being found unresponsive. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, was found unresponsive in her cell at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre on Friday night, police said. Queensland's Corrective Services said officers had responded to Flanigan suffering a medical emergency. Paramedics were called and transported the woman to the hospital. "Support is being offered to the responding officers and their colleagues," corrective services said in a statement. Police Minister Dan Purdie said the matter, which is "still unfolding", is under investigation by the Corrective Services Investigation Unit. "It's awfully sad, the whole circumstance of the situation, and that matter is under investigation," he told reporters in Brisbane on Saturday. Flanigan was being held in custody until her next court appearance in July after being charged with murder on Monday. Neighbours had called triple-zero after seeing a young child unresponsive in the front yard of a Moore Park Beach home, north of Bundaberg, about 4.45pm. When emergency services arrived at the home, they found a three-year-old girl, identified as Flanigan's daughter Sophia Rose, with several wounds. She died at the scene. A crime scene was established at the property, where police seized a knife. Police had said two other children, aged one and two, were also at the property at the time, but neither was injured. Both are in the care of their father. Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip said at the time that mental health and any prior interactions with police would likely form part of the investigation. Supt Inskip said first responders had encountered a "horrific" scene. "It's a terrible, terrible incident for everybody," he said on Tuesday. A GoFundMe has been established for the children and their father, with more than $48,000 raised. Family friend Connor Thompson, who has organised the fundraiser, remembered Sophia as a sweet child with an infectious laugh that could light up the room. "Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold," the fundraiser said. "Sophia always wanted to help and was the best big sister to her baby brother and sister. "Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A mother accused of fatally stabbing her three-year-old daughter has been rushed to hospital after being found unresponsive. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, was found unresponsive in her cell at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre on Friday night, police said. Queensland's Corrective Services said officers had responded to Flanigan suffering a medical emergency. Paramedics were called and transported the woman to the hospital. "Support is being offered to the responding officers and their colleagues," corrective services said in a statement. Police Minister Dan Purdie said the matter, which is "still unfolding", is under investigation by the Corrective Services Investigation Unit. "It's awfully sad, the whole circumstance of the situation, and that matter is under investigation," he told reporters in Brisbane on Saturday. Flanigan was being held in custody until her next court appearance in July after being charged with murder on Monday. Neighbours had called triple-zero after seeing a young child unresponsive in the front yard of a Moore Park Beach home, north of Bundaberg, about 4.45pm. When emergency services arrived at the home, they found a three-year-old girl, identified as Flanigan's daughter Sophia Rose, with several wounds. She died at the scene. A crime scene was established at the property, where police seized a knife. Police had said two other children, aged one and two, were also at the property at the time, but neither was injured. Both are in the care of their father. Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip said at the time that mental health and any prior interactions with police would likely form part of the investigation. Supt Inskip said first responders had encountered a "horrific" scene. "It's a terrible, terrible incident for everybody," he said on Tuesday. A GoFundMe has been established for the children and their father, with more than $48,000 raised. Family friend Connor Thompson, who has organised the fundraiser, remembered Sophia as a sweet child with an infectious laugh that could light up the room. "Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold," the fundraiser said. "Sophia always wanted to help and was the best big sister to her baby brother and sister. "Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A mother accused of fatally stabbing her three-year-old daughter has been rushed to hospital after being found unresponsive. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, was found unresponsive in her cell at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre on Friday night, police said. Queensland's Corrective Services said officers had responded to Flanigan suffering a medical emergency. Paramedics were called and transported the woman to the hospital. "Support is being offered to the responding officers and their colleagues," corrective services said in a statement. Police Minister Dan Purdie said the matter, which is "still unfolding", is under investigation by the Corrective Services Investigation Unit. "It's awfully sad, the whole circumstance of the situation, and that matter is under investigation," he told reporters in Brisbane on Saturday. Flanigan was being held in custody until her next court appearance in July after being charged with murder on Monday. Neighbours had called triple-zero after seeing a young child unresponsive in the front yard of a Moore Park Beach home, north of Bundaberg, about 4.45pm. When emergency services arrived at the home, they found a three-year-old girl, identified as Flanigan's daughter Sophia Rose, with several wounds. She died at the scene. A crime scene was established at the property, where police seized a knife. Police had said two other children, aged one and two, were also at the property at the time, but neither was injured. Both are in the care of their father. Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip said at the time that mental health and any prior interactions with police would likely form part of the investigation. Supt Inskip said first responders had encountered a "horrific" scene. "It's a terrible, terrible incident for everybody," he said on Tuesday. A GoFundMe has been established for the children and their father, with more than $48,000 raised. Family friend Connor Thompson, who has organised the fundraiser, remembered Sophia as a sweet child with an infectious laugh that could light up the room. "Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold," the fundraiser said. "Sophia always wanted to help and was the best big sister to her baby brother and sister. "Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A mother accused of fatally stabbing her three-year-old daughter has been rushed to hospital after being found unresponsive. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, was found unresponsive in her cell at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre on Friday night, police said. Queensland's Corrective Services said officers had responded to Flanigan suffering a medical emergency. Paramedics were called and transported the woman to the hospital. "Support is being offered to the responding officers and their colleagues," corrective services said in a statement. Police Minister Dan Purdie said the matter, which is "still unfolding", is under investigation by the Corrective Services Investigation Unit. "It's awfully sad, the whole circumstance of the situation, and that matter is under investigation," he told reporters in Brisbane on Saturday. Flanigan was being held in custody until her next court appearance in July after being charged with murder on Monday. Neighbours had called triple-zero after seeing a young child unresponsive in the front yard of a Moore Park Beach home, north of Bundaberg, about 4.45pm. When emergency services arrived at the home, they found a three-year-old girl, identified as Flanigan's daughter Sophia Rose, with several wounds. She died at the scene. A crime scene was established at the property, where police seized a knife. Police had said two other children, aged one and two, were also at the property at the time, but neither was injured. Both are in the care of their father. Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip said at the time that mental health and any prior interactions with police would likely form part of the investigation. Supt Inskip said first responders had encountered a "horrific" scene. "It's a terrible, terrible incident for everybody," he said on Tuesday. A GoFundMe has been established for the children and their father, with more than $48,000 raised. Family friend Connor Thompson, who has organised the fundraiser, remembered Sophia as a sweet child with an infectious laugh that could light up the room. "Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold," the fundraiser said. "Sophia always wanted to help and was the best big sister to her baby brother and sister. "Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
West Australian
30-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Young people at Banksia Hill invite ‘outside-in' for first-of-its kind Reconciliation Week event
Young people in youth detention at Banksia Hill Detention Centre invited the 'outside-in' for a first-of-its-kind National Reconciliation Week event. The Department of Justice's event, Benang Moorditjabiny — Becoming Stronger for Tomorrow — featured reconciliation messages from Government and non-government representatives, cultural dance performances and a group yarning session. Ninety guests attended, including former Senator Patrick Dodson, Attorney General Tony Buti, Minister for Corrective Services Paul Papalia, Elders and community leaders from across the State. Mr Dodson — the father of reconciliation — said it was 'a great initiative'. 'The fact that the people in here, the young fellas and the young people inside, wanted to see and invited people from outside to come in, that to me is a great initiative and a great compliment to them, but also a compliment to the authorities for enabling that to happen,' he said. Banksia Hill's 'outside in' event showed what can be done when people are serious about reconciliation, and what can happened when people come together for a common purpose. 'This helps both parties, the young kids, the people that work with them and gives everyone a sense that we are able to not only help people when they're here, but to hopefully put the onus back on the communities to make sure that they don't come back here,' Mr Dodson said. 'There's a lot of hope that, working together, we can make life better, not only for the young people, but for the people that work in these places. We sometimes don't see, but there are real possibilities, and real values in doing some of the things they might have to do.' Department of Justice Director General Kylie Maj said it was a 'first of its kind' event. 'We listened when young people told us they would like 'to bring the outside world in' to celebrate National Reconciliation Week,' Ms Maj said. 'Here at Banksia Hill, it's evident we are taking significant steps to improve outcomes for young people, alongside Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, including the introduction of important programs and supports.' Reconciliation WA's engagement with students at Banksia Hill focused on ways to encourage young people to find and use their voices and take part in ongoing conversations about reconciliation and their futures. Young people at Banksia Hill were involved in event planning and delivery and were supported by the Corrective Services' Aboriginal Services team and the Aboriginal Justice Transformation unit. Despite the 'marvellous achievements' of the Banksia Hill event, Mr Dodson believes a lot of work still needs to be done nationally. 'There's a bit more enlightenment in some of our jurisdictions that need to take place, and they better get on with it and make the changes to make things improve for the young people,' he said. 'For our communities, we've got to keep their young people out of harm and out of the attention of the police, which bring them into these places through the courts.' The event was hosted in partnership with Reconciliation WA.
West Australian
26-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
Greenough Regional Prison staff members Dean Wellman and Candice Hatch receive Corrective Services Awards
Two staff members at Greenough Regional Prison have been honoured with Corrective Services awards for their commitment to improving the conditions for and health of inmates and detainees. Assistant superintendent offender services Dean Wellman was recognised with the Commissioner's Award for Outstanding Service, while clinical nurse manager Candice Hatch received the Rehabilitation and Reintegration Award. Mr Wellman has 30 years experience at Greenough Regional Prison, starting as a prison officer in 1995 and working his way up to a member of the senior management team. A Department of Justice spokesperson said Mr Wellman has worked tirelessly in his career to improve conditions for both staff and prisoners, while also acting as a community liaison and representing the prison on projects, networks and partnerships. 'His strong focus on people and partnerships has been instrumental in fostering a collaboration with DFES, enabling prisoners to assist in fire mitigation efforts,' the spokesperson said. 'Additionally, he represents the prison on multiple committees, working to enhance Greenough's image and access resources that benefit both staff and prisoners.' Ms Hatch was singled out for praise for showing 'exceptional dedication to promoting prisoner health and wellbeing, making a real difference to the lives of detainees at Greenough Regional Prison'. She has been proactive in raising health awareness among prisoners through health expos, information sessions and on-site health checks, while also implementing health care plans for individuals managing diabetes, asthma and cardiac issues. 'Her commitment has not only improved individual health outcomes but has also supported Corrective Services' broader efforts towards rehabilitating prisoners,' the spokesperson said. Mr Wellman and Ms Hatch were presented with their awards by Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce at an event in Perth last week.
7NEWS
22-05-2025
- 7NEWS
Survivors outraged as backpacker fire killer Robert Long applies for parole again after 25 years
Survivors of a devastating hostel fire in 2000 have slammed any chance of freedom for Robert Long, calling the convicted killer 'a psychopath' who should 'rot in jail forever.' The man responsible for one of Australia's deadliest mass murders is once again seeking parole — 25 years after he lit the fire in the small Queensland town of Childers, killing 15 young backpackers. Long had been kicked out of the hostel and lit the fire in the early hours of June 23, while more than 80 travellers were asleep inside. Despite killing 15 people, the arsonist was only ever charged and convicted for the murders of Australian twins Kelly and Stacey Slarke. At the time, the decision to only pursue Long for two murders and not 15 was made to expedite proceedings and to ensure more charges could be brought if he was acquitted. Long, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2002, has now formally applied for parole — for a second time. Survivors say they found out not from authorities, but from a 7NEWS report. Richard Tempest, who barely escaped the inferno, now lives quietly on a property outside Brisbane. But he still carries the trauma of that night. 'He's an arsonist, he's a murderer, and he's a psychopath,' Tempest told 7NEWS. 'I just don't think he'll ever be rehabilitated.' Tempest was among 88 guests inside the Palace Backpackers Hostel when Long set it alight in the dead of night. He crawled to safety as others around him perished. 'Who knows what he's capable of, even 25 years on?' he said. Bill Trevor, who was the mayor of Childers at the time, minced no words about Long's bid for release. 'I just hope the little bastard rots in jail forever and dies there,' he said. 'For the pain, the hurt that he caused to so many people across so many countries.' Despite public outcry, the parole board remains bound by confidentiality laws and has not confirmed the application — though survivors say the lack of warning is a fresh blow. 'It would've been nice to be given a heads up by the authorities,' Tempest said. Corrective Services Minister Laura Gerber said Long belongs behind bars for the rest of his life. 'I personally would like to see Long in prison forever,' she said. 'And we're committed to putting the rights of victims before the rights of offenders.' A decision on Long's parole will ultimately rest with a panel made up of lawyers, psychologists, police, and community representatives.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Major update on disgraced former deputy mayor Salim Mehajer's bid for freedom
Disgraced former politician and property developer Salim Mehajer could be released from prison within months. He's currently serving a seven-year and nine-month sentence for a string of crimes, including violence against his former partner and forging his lawyer's signature. The court heard the former deputy mayor of Auburn Council in western Sydney, had suffocated a woman and threatened to put a 'bullet' in her mother's head. Mehajer will be eligible to front a public parole hearing on June 12 ahead of a possible early release date on July 18. The matter was considered at a meeting of the State Parole Authority earlier this month, reported. A community corrections pre-release report recommended he be released on conditional parole with supervision. Standing in the way of Mehajer's freedom is the Commissioner of Corrective Services, who noted Mehajer is an 'offender of interest' and indicated plans to make submissions about his possible release on parole. Mehajer was initially jailed in November 2020 after being found guilty of two counts of perverting the course of justice and one count of making a false statement under oath. He was found to have lied in affidavits and under cross-examination, which were used to secure his relaxed bail conditions. The embattled politician returned to court in 2023 and was found guilty in two separate trial, one regarding fraud and the other domestic violence matters. Mehajer was sentenced to a maximum of seven years and nine months for both cases. In his domestic violence case, a jury convicted him of multiple counts of assault, one count of intimidation and one count of suffocation relating to his ex-partner. The court heard Mehajer had punched the woman in her head during an argument in his car, squeezed her hand and crushed the phone she held, and threatened to kill her mother. Just one month later, the jury in his fraud case found him guilty of two counts each of making a false document and using a false document. He had created the false documents by forging the signatures of his solicitor, Zali Burrows, and sister. Mehajer returned to court again in 2024 for his role in a staged car crash. He pleaded guilty to 22 charges, including perverting the course of justice, making a false representation resulting in a police investigation, making a false call for an ambulance and negligent driving. Mehajer had staged the car accident in west Sydney during October 2017 in order to delay his court appearance. At the time he was due to front court for assaulting a taxi driver. The former deputy mayor was sentenced to a maximum of two years for the offences, with a non-parole period of 16 months.
