Every year National Corrections Day recognises the extraordinary and tough work Correctional Officers do in our prisons.

Our members go to work every day in some of the most dangerous work environments in the state, all to protect the community and give offenders a chance at rehabilitation.

Our prisons play a vital role in protecting the people of NSW and are, in many cases, the lifeblood of regional communities. National Corrections Day is a great chance to acknowledge the hard-working men and women who run them.

We should be proud to celebrate the work we do as Prison Officers.

Every member should be congratulated and rightly proud of the work they have done in the face of challenging environments.

The Prison Officers Vocational Branch hands out three awards on National Corrections Day to honor and raise awareness of the dedication and efforts of Prison Officers throughout the year.

POVB Life Member

Life Membership is in recognition of the hard work and dedication a person has shown to the POVB throughout their career. Nominations for the award are called for in October every year from the POVB membership, and then at the November Delegates to Management meeting the Delegates vote on the nominated members.

This year the award goes to Wayne Spearpoint. Wayne has been in Corrections for 32 years and has been a member of the POVB for all this time.

He has worked at Kirkconnell Correctional Centre, then Mid North Coast Correctional Centre. He has been a delegate at Mid North Coast Correctional Centre for 14 years. In this time Wayne has vehemently supported members to ensure staff safety and that members’ pay and conditions are maintained. He has been one of the loudest and strongest advocates in raising the inadequate Award that members at Mid North Coast, Dillwynia, Wellington and John Morony were on, and has been instrumental in finally getting this Award abolished.

We congratulate Wayne on his long career in CSNSW and in his dedication and commitment in representing members for such a long time with a never wavering passion for what is right and just.

POVB Delegate of the Year Award

The Delegate of the Year is an award for a member that the POVB Executive determine has represented their subbranch with dedication, commitment and passion.

This year it goes to Rebecca Vandermey of South Coast Correctional Centre. Rebecca took on the role in 2022 when there were no other people in the subbranch willing to perform the role.

Rebecca had very little knowledge of what the role entailed, yet she hit the ground running, ensuring members’ concerns were raised and addressed. She advocates for all and brings a true passion for the role.

We want to thank Rebecca for her commitment and determination to her subbranch. Her advocacy helps the POVB State Executive do their job and it has gone a long way in helping the members of South Coast Correctional Centre.

POVB Outstanding Achievement Award

This award is awarded to a member who achieves exemplary outcomes for either their workplace or the community.

This year it has been awarded to Corey Sawers.  Last year Corey walked from Huskisson to Swanbourne Perth to raise money for a colleague who was doing a Gofundme to raise money for St Francis Hudebwe Primary School in Zimbabwe.

He raised more than $4000 dollars and showed what a selfless and inspirational person he is to do this for a colleague. It was an outstanding effort, one that most members would not attempt let alone think of doing.

We congratulate Corey and commend him for his efforts.