Mike Reynolds, former Corrective Services Commissioner; Lisa Cross, Prison Education Manager Regional; and Sandra Patten, Assistant Superintendent Operations at Greenough Regional Prison, have served the Department of Justice with distinction.
Department Director General Dr Adam Tomison said the trio had spent much of their careers striving to enhance prison services and programs.
“Mike has had a long and dedicated career in corrections both in WA and South Australia,” Dr Tomison said. “It is fitting to see his 37 years of service recognised in this manner.
“Sandra and Lisa have excelled in their respective areas of expertise and the ACM is a thoroughly deserved honour for what they have achieved.”
Mr Reynolds held multiple leadership positions at SA’s Correctional Services Department prior to moving to WA in 2019 to serve as Deputy Commissioner and then Commissioner.
He was instrumental in introducing smoke-free prisons in SA, before successfully transitioning Bandyup Women’s Prison to become WA’s first smoke-free custodial facility.
Mr Reynolds also oversaw the establishment of the Mallee Rehabilitation Centre at Casuarina Prison, the State’s first alcohol and other drug treatment facility for male prisoners.
Ms Patten is highly regarded for her 20 years of front-line operational experience, which includes taking on acting Superintendent roles across the State.
At Greenough she has built an understanding of Indigenous cultural issues that enables her to consult with family members of prisoners on a range of concerns.
Through the implementation of new policy directives, Ms Patten has improved the operational needs for prisoner movements across the WA estate.
Joining the Department in 2010, Ms Cross has been responsible for creating comprehensive education and vocational training opportunities for prisoners aimed at meeting industry demands and labour shortages in the community.
She has overseen the prisoner traineeship program, which allows prisoners to enrol as trainees while working in prison industries and earn nationally-recognised industry skills.
Ms Cross worked closely with training stakeholders in negotiating an expanded range of traineeships in prisons.
