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Restorative justice pioneer awarded honorary doctorate

Published: October 08, 2008

Australian Catholic University has awarded former Wagga Wagga police officer, Terry O'Connell, with an honorary doctorate for his ground breaking work in restorative justice in Australian communities and abroad.

Already a recipient of several honours in Australia and the US and acknowledged as an international expert, Terry O'Connell, who left school in Katoomba at the age of 14 to become an apprentice electrician, was made Doctor of the University (honoris causa), a university statement says.

Mr O'Connell served as a police officer for 17 years in Wagga Wagga and was immediately noticed for his unique approach to policing practices.

He has done extensive work in broadening focus for law enforcers by conferencing with all parties affected by crime: victims, perpetrators and their families, in order to achieve understanding and reconciliation on both sides.

Mr O'Connell's work has led him to become Australian Director of the International Company Real Justice, an organisation for education and research into restorative practices.

His work with criminal offenders has been accompanied by a remarkable decrease in repeat offences among those offenders.

"Terry O'Connell has done incredible work both nationally and internationally in seeking to address the important personal issues involved in criminal justice," said Australian Catholic University vice-chancellor Professor Greg Craven.

"We are delighted to bestow this honour on him in recognition of his accomplishments and the important contribution he has made to our community, and the international community," he added.

 

SOURCE

ACU National to award Terry O'Connell with honorary doctorate  (ACU Media Release, 6/10/08)

LINKS

Terry O'Connell (Restorative Justice)

Restorative Justice

Australian Catholic University

 

 

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Recent Comments

  1. I am one of Terry O'Connell's brothers and I am proud that he has received this honorary doctorate in recognition of his significant achievement in the area of restorative justice all around the world. He has a passion and zeal for his work only matched by his tireless commitment. I have been fortunate to be present at many of his workshops and admire the way he can address school children of all ages, teachers, parents, police officers and other professionals. He has a wonderful ability to use language that engages each audience while keeping the message of restorative justice consistent. Importantly this award raises the profile and importance of restorative justice as an effective process for repairing damaged relationships in any circumstances where they have been harmed by conflict.

    Posted By: Patrick O'Connell

  2. A well-deserved award to a man who has made a great contribution to society.

    Posted By: Conor Bradley

  3. Congratulations Terry. Thank you for speaking with Parents of the Lismore Diocese Parent Assembly on the subject of 'Restorative Practice'. You really affirmed what we believe as parents and authentic partners in our children's education.

    Posted By: Chris Cummins

  4. Real Justice Australia is part of the International Institute for Restorative Practices (www.iirp.org) Terry has been instrumental in pushing forward the good work that's happening all over the world. I know our offices in UK, Hungary and Canada have learned as much from Terry as we have here in America.

    Congratulations Terry on a wonderful, and well-deserved honour!!

    Posted By: Bob Costello

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