As part of National Corrections Day celebrations, the Department of Justice, Corrective Services yesterday recognised staff members who went above and beyond in their duties in 2022.
The Corrective Services Minister’s Commendation Award went to External Partnerships Coordinator Dr Fiona McGregor, who was instrumental in highlighting to the wider community the Department’s rehabilitation and reintegration.
Thanks to Dr McGregor’s efforts, the Raising the Bar Behind Bars program was lauded as a finalist at the WA State Training Awards, for supporting almost 5,000 prisoners in an apprenticeship or traineeship, with a completion rate of 70%.
Deputy Superintendent Jason Barnett was presented the Director General’s Award for Excellence, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to corrections or justice and for exemplifying the values of the Department.
Director General Dr Adam Tomison selected Deputy Superintendent Barnett for his work leading staff at the Unit 18, temporary youth custodial facility.
“Jason has provided the support and encouragement that staff at the facility needed to be able to create a safe, nurturing and secure environment for some of the State’s most vulnerable young people,” Dr Tomison said.
Other awards and winners included:
Commissioner’s Rising Star Award
Albany Regional Prison Acting Senior Officer Training, Brad Harvey
Uniformed Officer of the Year Award
Melaleuca Women’s Prison Senior Officer, Steven Cooper
Non-Uniformed Officer of the Year Award
Bandyup Women’s Prison Bindi Bindi Unit Occupational Therapist, Kelsie Hobbs
Community Partnership Award
Manager Prisoner Employment Programs and Transitional Services, Larry Smith
Safety and Security Award
Youth Regional Transport Team –
Youth Custodial Officers Matthew Lyons, Todd Feaver, David Jenkins, Caroline O’Brien and Natasha De Ceglie, and Regional Youth Transport Unit Manager, Anja Halliday
Rehabilitation and Reintegration Award
Aboriginal Program Facilitator, Noongar woman Angelina Stack
Innovation Award
Team Leader Community Offender Monitoring Unit, Aimee Goode
Commissioner for Corrective Services Mike Reynolds applauded all the 2023 winners, and the Corrective Services team as a whole.
“The past few years have presented us with many challenges, but we have risen to the occasion,” Commissioner Reynolds said.
“The people who have been recognised today are just some of the inspirational staff members who are dedicating their lives to helping others improve theirs,” he said.