The Prison Officers Vocational Branch (POVB) has awarded its annual awards to members it considers have done outstanding work on behalf of their fellow Officers.
Tori-Lee Taylor from John Morony Correctional Centre was named Delegate of the Year.

“Despite its public status, John Morony Correctional Centre is operated by ManageCo, with its operations similar to a private gaol, including different conditions for staff,” said POVB Chair Keith Smith. “It requires a special group of Delegates to constantly fight to ensure staff are safe in the centre.

“Luckily members there are represented by first-rate Delegates who are always there for them. In 2024 Tori was exceptional as a Delegate for her sub branch and the wider union.

“She deserves the POVB Delegate of the Year Award for the great job she has done.”

Ms Taylor said she was proud to be recognised for her work on behalf of members.

“It was wonderful to receive the award, but really, it goes out to all our team,” she said. “Proud unionists work together.”

Trish O’Brien received an Outstanding Achievement Award for her work as a Welfare Officer, working jointly for the PSA and Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW).

“Trish did a phenomenal job supporting not only POVB members, but members right through the Department of Communities and Justice who were doing it tough,” said Mr Smith.

“She dedicated many hours in her own time to support people who felt suicidal, or those who just really needed immediate support.

“Trish made a real difference to many members’ lives, in turn making a real difference to their family and friends as well.

“She really has been an outstanding member of the POVB.”

Ms O’Brien thanked her fellow POVB members for her award.

“I’m proud to be part of a union that does so much to help its members,” she said. “We do so much to protect the people of NSW.

“It is a job that comes with so many risks to our members’ mental and physical health.

“It is important that the PSA and POVB be there for our amazing members working in the state’s correctional centres”

David ‘Box Head’ McCauley was presented with Life Membership of the POVB.

“Box Head has always been there for members,” said Mr Smith. “He has helped so many members who are facing charges of misconduct through the stress and anxiety that these cases bring.

“He was there for members right up until they got a result and back into the workforce.”

Mr McCauley, who is an Industrial Officer with the PSA, was very happy to receive the award.

“I am very humbled to receive the POVB Life Member status,” said Mr McCauley. “I have given 39 years to the POVB and I am proud to represent them still. I have made too many lifelong friends to count in that time.

“Thank you POVB for the recognition and thank you PSA for allowing me to look after my Blue Family.”

PSA CPSU NSW General Secretary Stewart Little said he was proud to be part of a union that attracted such high-calibre members and staff.

“The three epitomise the professionalism of our members in correctives,” said Mr Little.

PSA CPSU NSW President Nicole Jess, herself a Senior Prison Officer, attended the ceremony.

“I know first-hand how tough this job can be,” she said. “All our Prison Officers are Champions of the State.”