From the footy field to corrective services, the job of Coonamble’s Damien Kennedy has always come with some element of intrigue. Today, on 19 January 2019, National Corrections Day celebrates the work he and his colleagues do. 

After a career in Professional Rugby League in the 90s - first for the Western Suburbs and then to the Canberra Raiders - Wiradjuri man Damien Kennedy chose another passion to pursue. 

Twenty-four years since leaving the footy field, Mr Kennedy works as a team leader at Coonamble Community Corrections with the goal to create better outcomes for Aboriginal offenders. 

Despite trying to help his community, Mr Kennedy said that it’s often not seen that way. 

“Even though we’re trying to help those guys get through their orders and stay out of jail, in some circumstances they do see us as the enemy, and that is difficult.”

“Working in your hometown…people see you more as an enemy instead of just a family member or friend.”

Coonamble's Damien Kennedy (Supplied)

Damien is among 10,700 Corrective Services NSW staff being celebrated on National Corrections Day, Friday 19 January, for his commitment to community safety and reducing reoffending. 

“The message we’re trying to get across to all of the guys is to make better decisions for themselves,” Mr Kennedy said.

“We have a heck of a job, we cover a lot of distances, we try and do our very best for all our clients that we work with.”

“My proudest achievement has been working alongside other passionate officers in the Western District, to change the approach of Community Corrections, and achieve better outcomes for the Aboriginal people we work with and their families,” Damien says. 

“The work that has been implemented is outside the normal business as usual approach and aimed at directly working with Aboriginal people in their comfort zone.” 

Today Corrective Services NSW is showcasing the work of employees across the state, in roles such as custodial officers, psychologists, community corrections professionals and education staff, which you can view here.