Three outstanding Corrective Services leaders have been recognised for their significant contributions to prisoner rehabilitation and community safety, awarded the prestigious Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List.
With more than 80 years of dedicated service between them, at prisons across the State, the recipients are Assistant Commissioner John Hedges, Karnet Prison Farm Employment Coordinator Carole Ackerley and Karnet Prisoner Education Campus Manager Fiona Moriarty.
Department Director General Kylie Maj said the trio’s high honour was well deserved.
“These are three exceptional leaders who have dedicated their long careers to improving outcomes for people in our care,” Ms Maj said.
“By strengthening cultural engagement and pioneering innovative education and training programs and partnerships, they have provided prisoners with opportunities to succeed upon their release.”
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said their work was transformative.
“These individuals have championed practical programs and supports, providing prisoners with valuable education and employment skills and self-worth,” Commissioner Royce said.
“From introducing rail industry training at Roebourne Regional Prison, to establishing a music studio at Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison and a beekeeping course at Karnet, these initiatives improve prisoner engagement and focus on reducing reoffending, for a safer WA,” he said.
“I’m proud that each recipient displays dedication to culturally responsive and safe practices for Aboriginal prisoners, through strengthened engagement with Elders and communities.”
Assistant Commissioner John Hedges will mark 40 years with the Department of Justice in August, having commenced as a Prison Officer at Bandyup Women’s Prison and advancing through leadership roles including at Karnet, Boronia, Wooroloo, Hakea and Casuarina Prisons.
His work at the Metropolitan Security Unit (now Special Operations Group) contributed to improved emergency response and built Corrective Services’ capacity and readiness during critical incidents.
As the longest serving Superintendent at Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison, he led initiatives that strengthened cultural engagement, enhanced staff stability and improved security practices.
His collaborative work with Elders, including establishing a music studio, contributed to reduced incidents and improved prisoner wellbeing.
Assistant Commissioner Hedges is honoured for his commitment, innovation and leadership, which exemplifies the highest standards of Corrective Services.
Ms Fiona Moriarty has dedicated more than 25 years to improving the educational, vocational and life opportunities of people in custody.
Ms Moriarty has served with distinction as the Prison Education Campus Manager at Karnet Prison Farm since 2007, developing deep insights into the complex learning needs and cultural considerations of the individuals she supports.
Under Ms Moriarty’s leadership, Karnet has become one of Western Australia’s strongest performer in prisoner traineeships, improving post-release prospects.
Continually seeking new opportunities to engage prisoners, Ms Moriarty championed the Department’s first Certificate III in Beekeeping program, an innovative, nature-based traineeship.
Through a steadfast belief in education as a pathway to opportunity, Ms Moriarty has transformed lives and strengthened rehabilitation outcomes.
Ms Carole Ackerley has demonstrated commitment to improving employment outcomes and life opportunities for prisoners across her 17 years of service with the Department.
Ms Ackerley helped to introduce the Bulujari Guma rail industry pathway program at Roebourne Regional Prison, which led to job offers for graduates.
Ms Ackerley’s impact is notable in her work supporting Aboriginal prisoners. She developed the culturally grounded Strong Pathways Program, providing holistic pre- and post-release support, centred around Elder-led mentoring and family reconnection, for improved reintegration outcomes.
As Karnet Prison Farm Employment Coordinator, Ms Ackerley coordinates career counselling, employability skills training, employer expos, and the Prisoner Employment Program (PEP) which empowers individuals to gain confidence, qualifications, and positive pathways back into the community.
