Staff came from around WA to be part of the event and those who couldn't be there in person were part of the ceremony via video link.
The staff on the screen joined in with claps and cheers and were thrilled to be among the winners.
The inaugural event attended by Attorney General John Quigley, Minister for Corrective Services Bill Johnston, Director General Dr Adam Tomison and Commissioner Mike Reynolds comes as the Department moves towards the conclusion of its Reconciliation Action Plan.
Dr Tomison said 80 per cent of the Department's Reconciliation Action Plan deliverables were on track to be completed by July.
"We're in the process of developing a RAP for 2022 to 2024. We'll build on our success – as evidenced by all those nominated for these inaugural awards – and work to do better."
The winners are:
Programs and Projects
Winner – Office of Criminal Injuries Compensation for its contribution to improving outcomes for Aboriginal victims of crime by providing culturally appropriate compensation services in remote Aboriginal communities.
Joint Winner – Cultural Immersion Team at West Kimberley Regional Prison who worked with local Nyikina Elders to create a program targeting the needs of local Aboriginal people in their care.
Partnerships
Winner – Legal Assistance Branch and Grants Team which formed partnerships with Aboriginal organisations to deliver the Aboriginal Driver Training and Education Project to help people gain a licence thereby reducing offences relating to the lack of one.
Commended – Mallee Rehabilitation Centre at Casuarina Prison who work with Wungening Aboriginal Corporation and Palmerston Association to deliver Australia's first alcohol and other drug treatment program in a maximum security prison.
Teams
Winner – Kununurra Adult Community Corrections who work with Aboriginal communities in the East Kimberley in a culturally capable way to support Aboriginal people achieving equitable justice outcomes.
Commended – Procurement and Contract Services Team for supporting economic outcomes for Aboriginal businesses by encouraging the procurement of programs, goods and services from Aboriginal organisations.
Individuals
Winner – George Kickett, Maddington Community Corrections Officer who has had a long and distinguished career with the Department, supporting and promoting understanding among his non-Aboriginal colleagues about how to engage their Aboriginal clients.
Commended – Sean Wood, Judicial Support Officer at Perth Children's Court for promoting culturally safe practices to address the needs of Aboriginal people and identifying new approaches to reduce inequity. Executive Director Court and Tribunal Services Jo Stampalia collected the award on Sean's behalf.
