CREST Expands into Statewide MRS Program
Throughout FY 24/25, ACSO’s CREST team has supported 11,093 clients across South East Queensland (SEQ), where it has been operating since 2016.
In 2024, the CREST contract was retendered, and ACSO succeeded in its bid to deliver the updated statewide CREST model, the Men’s Reintegration Service (MRS).
“Providers are well aware of the continuous hard work that ACSO CREST does for the clients and advocacy they provide. She even mentioned, no other providers could do what you do—and I reckon you’ll continuing growing in Queensland with the program.”
– Service Provider (Busy Ability)
With support from leadership and business services, ACSO’s Queensland team underwent a major transformation in early 2025 to prepare for the launch of MRS on 1 July. The statewide service saw Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) nearly double from 32 to 58.5, with all CREST employees transitioning across and 10 additional team members onboarded from former Northern and Central CREST providers, bringing valuable local knowledge and community relationships. ACSO executives and senior leaders visited key locations to personally welcome new employees, with CEO Vaughan Winther travelling across Queensland to meet every team member in person.
“You have employed an amazing team who are so professional and easy to work with. Added to this, they all have a great sense of humour which is essential in this environment.”
– QCS Employee
Throughout this period, ACSO has also established new locations and relationships across QLD. Colocations have already been set up in Cairns (alongside Quihn) and in Gladstone (alongside Bob’s Garage), with further locations planned for Hervey Bay, Townsville, and Rockhampton.
The rollout of MRS is one of the most significant moments of growth ACSO has undergone in our 41 years. There are over 10,000 people incarcerated in male Correctional Centres across Queensland, all of whom are eligible for MRS support.
At the close of FY24/25, ACSO’s MRS is poised to provide services at 35 community corrections offices, 140 reporting locations, and 10 correctional centres across the Sunshine State.