Congratulations to recipients of the Australian Corrections Medal, recognised as part of this year’s Australia Day Honours List. 

The Australian Honours and Awards system (External link) provides the people of Australia the opportunity to recognise and say thank you to outstanding citizens whose efforts make our communities and our nation a better place. 

We extend our congratulations to colleagues from Victoria’s emergency services agencies (External link) who received the Emergency Services Medal and Australian Fire Services Medal in this year's honours. 

We also congratulate Lisa Jackson, Lessons and Improvement Manager at Emergency Management Victoria, who was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in emergency management. 

Australian Corrections Medal 

The Australian Corrections Medal is awarded for distinguished service by an operational member of an Australian state or territory civilian correctional service for adults.  Operational staff working in Corrections Victoria and Community Correctional Services are eligible for the award. 

Mark Nestor, Vocational Services Manager, Barwon Prison 

Mark Nestor commenced working with Corrections Victoria in 1988 as a prison officer at Hopkins Correctional Centre (formerly Ararat Prison). With unwavering commitment and determination, he has dedicated over 36 years to the field of corrections. His journey spans various custodial roles, from prison officer to operations manager. Currently, he serves as the vocational services manager at Barwon Prison.  

Mark played a pivotal role in the adoption and implementation of a case management model at Barwon Prison that is based on a best practice multi-disciplinary approach. Through strong advocacy and his ability to achieve support from his colleagues, he championed its implementation which has revolutionised case management practices at Barwon Prison. Mark’s work has not only improved outcomes within the facility but has also significantly contributed to the broader goals of Victoria’s corrections system.  

As the vocational services manager, Mark is passionate about people being employed while they are in prison and gaining both soft and technical skills that will set them up for getting a job when they are released. He has an unwavering commitment to the secure and safe management of people in the care of Barwon Prison, as well as a dedication to providing them with opportunities that contribute to personal positive development.  

Mark has also always been passionate about supporting and advocating for his staff. He leads committed and cohesive teams in complex and challenging work settings and has built strong working relationships with several stakeholders across a very diverse portfolio. Mark has demonstrated exceptional dedication to his duties throughout his 36-year career. His efforts have not only enhanced prison operations but also fostered a more rehabilitative and supportive environment for the people at Barwon Prison. 

Rebecca Linnett, Regional Supervisor, Court Assessment and Prosecution Services, Shepparton CCS 

Rebecca Linnett commenced her career in 1999 with Community Correctional Services (CCS), dedicating her career to the Hume region for this significant period. Throughout her 25 years of service, she has held numerous roles within CCS, ranging from an entry-level position to senior regional management roles, including community corrections officer, leading community corrections officer, supervisor, and manager of Court Practice. Her most notable contribution has been in her role as the supervisor of Court Assessment and Prosecution Services (CAPS), which she commenced in 2012. 

Rebecca is a prominent leader in the Hume region. Her knowledge extends beyond Court Services Victoria into CCS case management frameworks, practice guidelines and systems knowledge. She has played a significant role in the development and maintenance of a regional court list register, enabling efficient coordination of all upcoming court matters across the nine courts within the Hume region and allowing for practice efficiency and data collation.  

Rebecca is an active member of the Hume region demonstrating her commitment and dedication to the public service and her colleagues. This includes her active participation in regional risk committees, family violence practice committees, and representation on practice committees across the state. 

Rebecca has remained a steadfast figure during periods of significant reform, actively contributing to reform initiatives while actively mentoring and upskilling her colleagues. Her adaptability and resilience in navigating these reforms have been instrumental, reflecting her unwavering support for her team and the broader organisation.  

Throughout her 25-year career, Rebecca's exceptional organisational skills, dedication to efficiency, and commitment to public service has made her an invaluable asset to the Hume region. Her leadership and contributions continue to inspire and uplift her colleagues and the community. 

Tanya Zita, Manager, Court Practice, Broadmeadows Justice Service Centre 

Tanya commenced as a leading community corrections officer at Community Correctional Services (CCS) in 2004. Over the past 20 years, Tanya has demonstrated outstanding capability and dedication to her role, advancing through numerous front-line roles within CCS. ln her case management roles, Tanya has always demonstrated best practice case management and worked hard to achieve positive outcomes for the clients who often present with complex and challenging needs. She is currently serving as the manager of Court Practice at Broadmeadows Justice Service Centre (JSC).  

Tanya has played a critical role in creating a high-performing culture at the Broadmeadows JSC. With her commitment to implementing best practice case management, she has led her team through reforms and critical incidents as well as multiple changes in processes. Tanya has actively worked to build capable and engaged teams who are motivated to deliver quality case management, which results in positive client outcomes and improves the safety of the North-West Metropolitan area community. She also undertakes extensive stakeholder engagement, including Victoria Police, Broadmeadows Magistrates Court, family violence services and drug/alcohol and mental health providers to get the best outcomes for CCS clients.  

Tanya has been instrumental in developing robust emergency and incident management practices across the area. As a skilled workplace trainer, she is a lead facilitator for incident response training and has also facilitated cognitive skills workshops and motivational interviewing sessions with staff. Tanya has been able to create a culture where staff feel confident, safe and supported working with clients. 

Tanya commitment to her role, her team and the people she serves is commendable. Her leadership skills and dedication has created a high-performing culture at the Broadmeadows JSC, and she is an invaluable member of the leadership team. 

For the full list of Australia Day Honours for 2025, visit the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia’s website. (External link)