- Three outstanding leaders from Corrective Services recognised for decades of service
- The Australian Corrections Medal recipients helped transform prisoner rehabilitation
Three Corrective Services leaders have received the prestigious Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) in the King’s Birthday Honours List for 2026 in recognition of their contributions to prisoner rehabilitation and community safety.
The recipients, Assistant Commissioner John Hedges, Karnet Prison Farm Employment Co-ordinator Carole Ackerley and Karnet Prisoner Education Campus Manager Fiona Moriarty, have more than 80 years of service between them at prisons across Western Australia.
The ACM recipients have been honoured for their truly transformative work in Corrective Services.
These exceptional leaders have dedicated their long careers to improving outcomes for people in custody and championed practical programs and supports for prisoners to gain valuable education, job and life skills and self-worth.
From introducing mining machinery training at Roebourne Regional Prison to establishing a music studio at Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison (EGRP), these initiatives have helped bolster prisoner and engagement and reduce reoffending for a safer WA.
Each recipient displays dedication to culturally responsive and safe practices for Aboriginal prisoners through enhanced engagement with Elders and communities.
By strengthening cultural engagement and pioneering innovative education and vocational training programs, they have provided prisoners with opportunities for better prospects post-release.
Assistant Commissioner John Hedges has been recognised for his sustained commitment, innovation and leadership, which exemplify the highest standards of Corrective Services.
Assistant Commissioner Hedges will mark 40 years with Corrective Services in August 2026, having commenced as a Prison Officer at Bandyup Women’s Prison and advanced through leadership roles including at Karnet, Boronia, Wooroloo, Hakea and Casuarina Prisons.
His work at what is now known as the Special Operations Group contributed to improved emergency response and built Corrective Services’ capacity and readiness to manage critical incidents.
As the longest serving EGRP Superintendent, he led initiatives that strengthened cultural engagement, enhanced staff stability and improved security practices.
His collaborative work with Elders, including establishing a music studio, helped reduce incidents and improve prisoner wellbeing.
Ms Fiona Moriarty has dedicated more than 25 years to improving educational, vocational and life opportunities for people in custody, demonstrating exceptional compassion and innovation in correctional education.
A qualified teacher, Ms Moriarty has served with distinction as the Prison Education Campus Manager at Karnet since 2007, developing deep insights into the complex learning needs and cultural considerations of the individuals she supports.
Under her leadership, Karnet has become WA’s strongest performer in prisoner traineeships, improving post-release prospects and contributing to a more positive custodial environment.
She continually seeks new opportunities to engage prisoners and championed the Department’s first Certificate III in Beekeeping program, an innovative, nature-based traineeship.
Ms Carole Ackerley has been pivotal in shaping the delivery, growth and success of employment and reintegration programs across the prison estate.
Her work through the Career and Employment Services framework, including career counselling, employability skills training, employer expos and the Prisoner Employment Program, has helped prisoners gain confidence, qualifications and sustainable pathways back into the community.
Ms Ackerley progressed the Bindjareb training project for Aboriginal prisoners and later established a locally funded version at Roebourne, directly leading to real employment outcomes for participants.
She further delivered a rail industry pathway program, achieving employment offers for graduates, and has contributed to Karnet becoming a model site for employment readiness initiatives.
As stated by Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia:
“I congratulate the three Australian Corrections Medal recipients in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List who have been instrumental in helping transform prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Each of the worthy recipients epitomises the dedication and professionalism of the people serving in the State’s custodial system and their leadership, compassion and innovation have all had a notably positive impact.
“Assistant Commissioner John Hedges has been honoured for four decades of frontline service, operational excellence and culturally informed leadership.
“Ms Fiona Moriarty has been recognised for her commitment to education and vocational traineeships as pathways to transforming lives and strengthening rehabilitation outcomes across the prison estate.
“Ms Carole Ackerley has also championed innovative, culturally responsive and transformative programs that support prisoners in preparing for meaningful employment upon release.”
