WORKING with Corrective Services NSW is a family affair for Gregory Marson and his son George.
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George, 29, began what he describes as a rewarding career in the sector seven years ago, drawn by a love of the law and making a difference in people's lives.
After completing criminal studies at Charles Sturt University, he had his first taste of the justice system while doing his practical training with his father, who was working in probation and parole at Community Corrections at Bathurst.
While Gregory has remained at Bathurst, George is now unit leader at one of the state's busiest Community Corrections offices in central Sydney.
The Marsons are among 10,000 Corrective Services NSW staff who will be celebrated on National Corrections Day this Friday for their work in rehabilitating offenders and keeping the community safe.
The theme for National Corrections Day this year is "We are family".
George, who says he decided against a career in the police force after experiencing first-hand the work Community Corrections officers do, enjoys helping offenders transition back into civilian life.
"The thing I love about my job is you can really see the impact we have and you can see a change in offenders' behaviour," he said.
An interest in the law and human behaviour is also a fascination for Gregory and his other son, who is studying law.
Community service has been a strong theme in the family, which includes Gregory's wife, a nurse, and her prison officer brother at Kempsey.
Gregory says history, sociology and psychology is important to his role.
"I like the complexity of the role, explaining behaviour and motivation, and every day is different," he said.
George said he has huge respect for his father and, despite no longer working together, he still asks him for advice: "We can speak after work and I can get tips from him."
Gregory says George is very independent, but always listens to his advice: "It's good to pass on social capital to your children, but let them grow as well."
Corrective Services NSW includes about 5600 custodial officers, 1100 Community Corrections officers, 650 industries workers, 700 psychologists and programs officers and 680 administration people.
