Cessnock Correctional Centre staff member Derek Brindle is one of five Corrective Services NSW officers acknowledged on the 2022 Australia Day honours list.
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Mr Brindle was awarded the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) for his distinguished service and dedication to corrections.
Since joining Corrective Services NSW in 1990 as an overseer in the upholstery products unit with Corrective Services Industries (CSI), Mr Brindle has climbed the ladder to become CSI's business manager of operations.
He played a significant role in several strategic change projects within the branch, including Benchmarking and the Prison Bed Capacity Adjustment Program.
Mr Brindle has oversight of several inmate employment business divisions state-wide, enabling offenders to participate in sustainable and meaningful employment while gaining skills and qualifications.
He is known as someone to seek advice from as a well-respected leader.
Mr Brindle was humbled to receive the Australia Day honour.
"Myself, like my Corrective Services colleagues, do not seek recognition for the job we do. To receive recognition at this level is an honour of which I am extremely proud and privileged," he said.
"Thank you to Corrective Services staff who have assisted and supported me throughout my career and thank you to senior management who by nominating me deemed me worthy of this prestigious award."
The Australian Corrections Medal was introduced in 2018 and is awarded in the Australia Day and Queen's Birthday Honours lists. Today's recipients will be invested with their medals at NSW Government House at a later date.
Minister for Corrections Geoff Lee congratulated the recipients, who also include officers Sara Wilcher (Parramatta), John Harrison (Windsor), Cathy Petrovski (Sydney) and Evan Dougall (Goulburn).
"These officers have shown outstanding leadership and professionalism ensuring our correctional facilities are safe, efficient and committed to improving outcomes for offenders," Mr Lee said.
"They should be very proud recipients of this prestigious honour; I thank them for their service to NSW and hope their dedication continues to encourage and inspire their colleagues."
Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Kevin Corcoran PSM said the five officers contribute to corrections in a variety of ways, from providing security and training to helping rehabilitate offenders in custody and the community.
"Sara, John, Derek, Cathy and Evan demonstrate the very best qualities in corrections staff - they're motivated, inspiring and committed to improving both our workplaces and the rehabilitation prospects for offenders," Mr Corcoran said.
"Congratulations on this achievement; you have all earned this prestigious medal and we're very proud to have you working for us."
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Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
