Front row (left to right): Nicky Hellberg-Smith, Daniel Wells, Danielle McGhie, Supt. Heather Murchie and Ben Cremades
Middle row (left to right): Dave Selby and Supt. Andrea Bowen
Last row (left to right): Raheela Dhansey, Ellie Parker and Bree Blokland
As part of this week’s National Corrections Day celebrations, staff from the West Kimberley Regional Prison were awarded for helping the broader community.
More than 100 people from Fitzroy Crossing and surrounding areas were left without a home by the Kimberley Floods, many fleeing the area with just the clothes on their backs.
Prisoners and staff came to the rescue, providing 3,000 cooked meals, 40 hygiene care packs, clothing, bedding, toys and baby blankets.
Months later, the prison was still supporting the flood victims, building 91 pieces of flat- pack furniture.
Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia presented the Minister’s Commendation Award to the West Kimberley Regional Prison Flood Relief Team.
"This was a great example of how our correctional facilities in regional WA play an important role in our community, especially in an emergency situation,” Mr Papalia said.
The creator of a program that helps protect victims of family domestic violence when they leave prison was also recognised at the special staff awards ceremony.
Principal Project Officer for Victims of Crime, Daniel Wells, was presented with the Director General’s Award for Excellence for Leave Safe, Stay Safe program.
"Many women in prison are also victims of family and domestic violence and this program helps improve their safety and security upon release,” Director General Dr Adam Tomison said.
The women attend education sessions in prison, have access to legal services and dedicated family violence case managers. Smartphones are provided upon release so women can access emergency services and community support networks.
Other awards and winners included:
Commissioner’s Rising Star Award
Goldfields Youth Justice Services Regional Manager, Bree Blokland
Bree works tirelessly with the local community to avoid the incarceration of children, resulting in a downward trend in the Goldfield’s Youth Offending statistics.
Work Health and Safety Award
Bandyup Women’s Prison
The prison’s staff were successful in making Bandyup the first WA custodial facility to implement a smoke-free policy. The prison’s achievement will inform the rollout of the policy in other prisons.
Innovation Award
West Kimberley Regional Prison Education Unit
The Education Team has increased prisoner attendance and completion rates at the prison by 60 per cent, by creating an outdoor classroom which is culturally sensitive to Aboriginal people.
Community Partnership Award
Boronia Catering Coordinator, Ben Cremades
Ben teaches the women at Boronia Pre-Release Centre how to cook and manage a household budget, giving them empowerment, employability and preparing them for reintegration.
Non-Uniformed Officer of the Year Award
Senior Community Corrections Officer, Raheela Dhansey
Raheela helps keep the community safer by implementing a streamlined, more efficient allocation process at East Perth Adult Community Corrections. This ensures all offenders are processed quickly and allocated to an officer.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration Award
Youth Justice Psychologist, Ellie Parker
Ellie builds strong relationships with young offenders and their families, providing psychological assessment and intervention in the Kimberley Region and custody.
Manager of the Year
Principal Manager (Clinical), Danielle McGhie
Danielle’s exemplary management skills motivates and empowers her staff. This results in a stronger and more efficient Parole In-Reach team, which helps offenders access services to achieve parole.
Commissioner for Corrective Services Brad Royce applauded the 2023 winners, and all Corrective Services staff who look after around 6,500 people in custody, and about 7,400 on orders in the community.
"The people who have been recognised today all do incredible work helping to turn around the lives of men, women and young people in their care,” Commissioner Royce said.
"They are just some of the inspirational staff members who dedicate their lives to helping others improve theirs,” he said.
