Three Corrections Victoria staff have been awarded the Australian Corrections Medal in recognition of their excellent service.

The awardees are:

  • Commissioner Larissa Strong
  • Assistant Commissioner Jenny Hosking, and
  • Maribyrnong Community Residential Facility General Manager Megan McClelland.

They were presented with their medals by the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, at a ceremony at Government House today.

Ms Strong has worked in the justice system for 21 years, showing a clear commitment to Corrections Victoria and to prisoners and staff throughout her career.

She has worked in various roles including policy and program development to help reduce offending, and developing strategies and programs for prisoner health care. Ms Strong has led Corrections Victoria's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety of both staff and offenders.

Ms Hosking has 36 years of experience working in correctional services in Victoria. She has led major reforms and was responsible for the creation and ongoing management of Corella Place, a facility to house sex offenders subject to post sentence supervision.

She has also led a comprehensive COVID-19 response including the development of the Video Conferencing Coordination Unit to meet court demand during the pandemic, and the implementation of quarantine for prisoners to ensure prisoner and staff safety.

Ms McClelland joined Corrections Victoria in 1999, initially with the Adult Parole Board, and in 2011 moved to the Judy Lazarus Transition Centre, leading the team to deliver best practice reintegration services for prisoners.

She is currently the inaugural General Manager of the Maribyrnong Community Residential Facility, a facility developed to assist in the management of COVID-19 risk by providing accommodation for men exiting prison, who would otherwise be homeless.

The Australian Corrections Medal was instituted in 2017 to recognise those who have rendered distinguished service as a member of an Australian state or territory civilian corrections service for adults.

There have been 20 Corrections Victoria staff who have received the award since its inception.