Mobilong Prison officer Jennifer Colley awarded Australian Corrections Medal
The prison's case management coordinator has been included in the Australia Day honours list for 2024.
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A Mobilong Prison officer has been included in the Australia Day honours list for her “resilience, courage and tenacity”.
As the prison’s case management coordinator, Jennifer Colley is responsible for deciding how each of the prison’s 450 or so inmates spends his time behind bars.
Prisoners may be granted access to privileges such as television, visits from outside, time away from their cells and work experience – or have those privileges restricted – based on the plans she develops with them.
She has also become a liaison between the Department for Corrections and the Australian Border Force, helping to organise prisoner transfers overseas or into detention elsewhere.
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Hers was a challenging role, the office of the Governor-General said in her citation for the medal, particularly when it came to working with a mix of prisoners on remand, life sentences and everything in between.
Yet she had shown herself to be an “exemplary” officer during her 12 years with the department.
“Ms Colley’s professionalism is outstanding, she takes immense pride in her work and delivers consistently high outcomes to the community, prisoners and fellow workers,” the citation said.
“She … has an exceptional ability to work with the prisoners, demonstrating empathy and encouragement and assisting them to make changes to minimise reoffending.”
Murray Bridge News has sought comment from Ms Colley.
The medal was one of 1042 honours announced by Governor-General David Hurley AC on Australia Day.
His Excellency congratulated all the Australians recognised for their outstanding contributions to the nation.
“To each recipient: know that you have the thanks and respect of your nation,” he said.
“In my experience, most are humble and often try to deflect attention or praise.
“Please enjoy the moment, because your country has decided that you deserve recognition.”
He encouraged everyone to consider nominating someone they admired and respected for recognition in the Order of Australia.
- Nominate someone for an award: www.gg.gov.au.
