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Bunbury corrections officers recognised for achievements

Ailish DelaneySouth Western Times
Bunbury Regional Prison officers Ian Ralph and Wally Yagmich were among those awarded for their service by Superintendent Kerri Bishop on National Corrections Day.
Camera IconBunbury Regional Prison officers Ian Ralph and Wally Yagmich were among those awarded for their service by Superintendent Kerri Bishop on National Corrections Day. Credit: Ailish Delaney / South Western Times

Several frontline workers from Bunbury Regional Prison were recognised for their long service and achievements at National Corrections Day on Friday.

Officers were recognised for 10, 20 and 30 years of service, as well as for graduating from probation and moving through the ranks.

Superintendent Kerri Bishop said the day was about acknowledging the work of staff in corrective services.

“In respect to Bunbury, it’s about acknowledging the work of the Bunbury staff and what they do on a day-to-day basis to keep the community safe,” she said.

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Supt Bishop said it was very exciting to award so many staff members this year.

Even though they’re very humble people, they still wear it with pride when they get acknowledged for their service because a lot of what we do goes unsaid and unnoticed in the community.

Kerri Bishop

“It’s been a very big two years for Bunbury with COVID-19 and everything involved in our build.”

Prison officers Ian Ralph and Wally Yagmich were among those recognised, receiving awards for 30 years in correction and 45 years in government organisations respectively.

Mr Yagmich said said he felt overwhelmed by the response from his peers.

“As a young fellow I joined the navy for seven years, then I joined the police force for a few years, I was in ambulance for 13 years and then I’ve done nearly 25 years here,” Mr Yagmich said.

He said the best part of working in corrections was the camaraderie between staff members.

“It can be a bit of a thankless job at times, but you don’t give up and you try to provide the prisoners with the best possible living environment you can.”

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