Leading with empathy: Cassandra Tannock's journey from frontline corrections to regional director
Behind the daily operations of two of Queensland's busiest courts is a leader who believes one conversation can change someone's life.
Cassandra Tannock is the Regional Director for Brisbane Region within Court and Tribunal Services, overseeing Brisbane Magistrates Court and Brisbane Arrest Court with a team of 110 staff.
On any given day, Brisbane Magistrates Court can support the operations of up to 20 different courts - from domestic and family violence matters to children's court, traffic hearings, civil applications and first appearances through the Brisbane Arrest Court.
But for Cassandra, the work has never been about systems or statistics. It's always been about people.
A career shaped by understanding people
Cassandra's interest in people started early. In high school, she was drawn to understanding why people make the choices they do - particularly those who become involved in the justice system.
That curiosity led her to study psychological sciences at university, with the goal of understanding human behaviour and how to support meaningful change.
At 21 years old, fresh out of university, she started her career as a probation and parole officer in Corrective Services.
"My time in corrections was formative," she says. "You don't always see success when you're working with vulnerable people. Change has to come from within. But when you do see someone turn their life around - when the conversations and support you've offered make a difference - that sustains you. It gives you hope."
Over two decades, Cassandra moved through court advisory practice, led the co-design of Queensland's first reintegration service for women leaving prison, and transitioned into leadership roles across the justice system.
Eight years ago, she moved into court operations, starting in specialist courts programs before eventually stepping into the role of Regional Director three years ago.
One person can change the world for another person
There's a phrase Cassandra returns to often - one that has guided her throughout her career.
"One person might not be able to change the world, but they can change the world for one person," she says.
"That's always resonated with me. Whether it's supporting someone through the justice system or supporting the staff who deliver those services every day, the conversations we have and the way we show up really can make a difference."
That philosophy now shapes how she leads.
"Our staff do critical work for Queensland," she says. "We have to make sure we're supporting them to do that work well - through flexibility, growth opportunities, recognition, and a bit of humour along the way."
She's also committed to ensuring the workplace reflects the community it serves, including through initiatives like the Language Badge program, which supports court users who speak languages other than English or use Auslan to navigate the court.
As a parent of neurodiverse children, Cassandra is also passionate about supporting neurodiversity in the workplace.
"Every human is different. Every human has a story. And every human can contribute if we can identify their strengths, understand their challenges, and support them in their goals," she says.
Witnessing - and shaping - change in female leadership
When Cassandra started her career in the public sector 20 years ago, senior leadership was predominantly male.
Today, she's part of a leadership team in Court and Tribunal Services where women hold many of the most senior roles - a shift she's proud to have witnessed and contributed to.
The scale of that shift was brought home during a recent conversation with her 16-year-old son.
"He asked me, 'Do you have any men in your workspace? You only ever talk about women,'" she recalls.
"I explained to him that when I started 20 years ago, that wasn't the case. To see that shift over the last two decades - and to be part of it - is something I'm really proud of. It shows how hard we've all worked to demonstrate the capability and strength of female leaders."
Advice for young women starting out
Cassandra's advice to young women beginning their careers is simple but powerful.
"Just say yes," she says. "Don't be held back by the fear that you can't do something. Remember that you can - and that there are people along the way who can help you."
She credits the women who have mentored and supported her throughout her career - from public sector leaders to peers and women she's met through mentor walking groups in Brisbane.
"I'm not here without the women who have been around me to lift me up and support me," she says. "That's why it's so important for me to give back as well."
A leader who stays grounded
Outside of work, Cassandra is getting ready for her first women's soccer season - having spent 14 years as a soccer mum on the sidelines before deciding to join the team herself.
"It's important to make time for fun and let some of that stress go," she says.
But whether she's on the soccer field, in the courthouse foyer welcoming staff to work, or leading her team through complex operational challenges, Cassandra's approach remains the same.
Stay calm. Lead with empathy. And remember that every interaction is an opportunity to make someone's day - or their life - a little better.
More information
Learn more about Queensland Court Services.