THE Alexander Maconochie Centre’s (AMC) general manager, Jason Russell, has been awarded the highest medal for corrections officers, as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

According to a message from AMC Commissioner Ray Johnson, Mr Russell received the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) for his “integrity, commitment to duty and ongoing devotion to continuous improvement and staff development”.

The ACM is the highest recognition of corrections officers in Australia and supports positive work culture, through acknowledging those whose service to the community is “exceptional and undertaken with the upmost integrity”, the commissioner’s message read.

“Over his 19 years of service with the ACTCS, he has gained the respect of staff and detainees, from his commencement as a CO1 in 2002 and through his various promotions through the ranks, to his current position as general manager, which he attained in 2019,” the commissioner wrote.

Mr Russell has worked tirelessley throughout his career to guide, support, and mentor staff, and has been instrumental in ensuring that custodial operations within the ACT are contemporary, the commissioner said.

“One example of this is the lead role he took in the cross agency working group that developed and integrated the Winnunga Health Service into the AMC, which at the time was the first of its kind in the country,” he wrote.

The commissioner described Mr Russell’s service to staff and the community as “exceptional”, saying he was a “positive” example amongst officers.

“He displays a high level of professionalism and empathy towards staff and continues to be a leadership presence during serious incidents or situation,” the commissioner wrote.

“Mr Russell provides calm, measured leadership both on a daily basis and during crisis situations.”