Two Western Australian Corrective Services officers have been honoured in the prestigious Australia Day 2026 Honours List for their work transforming prisoner rehabilitation and safety.
Wandoo Rehabilitation Prison Officer Dean English and Casuarina Prison Deputy Superintendent Wayne Marlow have received the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) for their distinguished service and commitment to improving the State's correctional system.
The award recipients have each demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication throughout their long careers.
Commissioner for Corrective Services Brad Royce said their national recognition is well deserved.
"Dean English and Wayne Marlow exemplify the integrity, professionalism, respect and accountability we expect from our team State-wide," Commissioner Royce said.
"Both officers have actively contributed to safer prisons, stronger rehabilitation programs and improved outcomes for staff and prisoners."
Dean English
With more than 30 years of service across New South Wales and Western Australia, Mr English has made a lasting impact on prisoner rehabilitation and staff wellbeing.
He is widely respected for his ability to diffuse challenging situations and help individuals in custody address their behaviour.
Mr English has served across multiple facilities including Hakea Prison, Banksia Hill Detention Centre and Wandoo Rehabilitation Prison for Women.
In 2023, he established a beekeeping industry program at Wandoo offering participants practical skills, routine and purpose - as well as a supply of honey for the prison.
Following a serious traffic accident in 2024, Mr English returned to Wandoo to share messages of resilience with women in custody and continues to support staff, recruitment initiatives and his beekeeping program.
Wayne Marlow
Mr Marlow has served with Corrective Services WA since 2004 and is recognised for his strong operational expertise and commitment to prisoner welfare.
As the inaugural Assistant Superintendent for Safer Practice at Casuarina Prison, he pioneered a therapeutic approach that significantly reduced self-harm and suicide ideation, transforming the management of at-risk prisoners.
He has also delivered complex operational planning across the State's prisons, including coordination of large-scale prisoner movements during the 512-bed expansion at Casuarina Prison, ensuring safe and efficient mobilisation during a period of major change.
Mr Marlow's contributions have strengthened the Department's capability, enhanced staff and prisoner safety, and delivered sustainable improvements to the corrections system.
