Celebrating our Australia Day Honours recipients

The Public Service Medal recognises outstanding excellence, leadership and innovation by employees from each of the four levels of government. 

Lisa Jackson, Lessons and Improvement Manager, Emergency Management Victoria 

For outstanding public service in emergency management 

Lisa Jackson discovered her passion for emergency management and service to the Victorian community in May 2009, where she joined the Country Fire Authority (CFA) as a volunteer with the Wandong Bridge. After five years in the CFA, Lisa joined Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) in the field of lessons management. 

Lisa’s selfless dedication to service excellence and innovation is exemplified by her pioneering role in the development and implementation of the Emergency Management Lessons, Evaluation and Review Network Framework (EM-LEARN). Since its inception in 2015, EM-LEARN has transformed the emergency management sector by providing a structured platform for lessons and knowledge dissemination, collaboration and continuous improvement. Lisa’s visionary leadership in establishing EM-LEARN has positioned EMV as a leader in lessons management, enabling collaboration and coordination across the emergency management sector and fostering safer and more resilient communities in Victoria. 

Lisa’s service extends to her leadership roles in various impactful projects and initiatives. Her establishment of the first 24/7 state-level intelligence function within Victoria showcases her visionary approach to addressing complex challenges in emergency management. With a wealth of experience in operational and strategic intelligence, Lisa guided the team through several major emergencies, including the Black Summer Bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, where the State Intelligence Unit provided specialist intelligence advice to senior operational decision makers.  

Under Lisa’s stewardship, the State Intelligence Unit has evolved into a cornerstone of major emergency management, providing essential information and intelligence to inform critical decision-making processes. Lisa’s unwavering dedication to helping others grow and achieve their goals is evident in her leadership style, characterised by compassion, mentorship and a relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Lisa has left an indelible mark on the emergency management landscape, embodying the values of service, innovation and leadership that define the highest standards of public service. 

Australian Corrections Medal 

The Australian Corrections Medal is awarded for distinguished service by an operational member of an Australian state or territory civilian correctional service for adults. 

Mark Nestor, Vocational Services Manager, Barwon Prison 

Mark Nestor commenced working with Corrections Victoria in 1988 as a prison officer at Hopkins Correctional Centre (formerly Ararat Prison). With unwavering commitment and determination, he has dedicated over 36 years to the field of corrections. His journey spans various custodial roles, from prison officer to operations manager. Currently, he serves as the vocational services manager at Barwon Prison. 

Mark played a pivotal role in the adoption and implementation of a case management model at Barwon Prison that is based on a best practice multi-disciplinary approach. Through strong advocacy and his ability to achieve support from his colleagues, he championed its implementation which has revolutionised case management practices at Barwon Prison. Mark’s work has not only improved outcomes within the facility but has also significantly contributed to the broader goals of Victoria’s corrections system. 

As the vocational services manager, Mark is passionate about people being employed while they are in prison and gaining both soft and technical skills that will set them up for getting a job when they are released. He has an unwavering commitment to the secure and safe management of people in the care of Barwon Prison, as well as a dedication to providing them with opportunities that contribute to personal positive development. 

Mark has also always been passionate about supporting and advocating for his staff. He leads committed and cohesive teams in complex and challenging work settings and has built strong working relationships with several stakeholders across a very diverse portfolio. Mark has demonstrated exceptional dedication to his duties throughout his 36-year career. His efforts have not only enhanced prison operations but also fostered a more rehabilitative and supportive environment for the people at Barwon Prison. 

Rebecca Linnett, Regional Supervisor, Court Assessment and Prosecution Services, Shepparton CCS 

Rebecca Linnett commenced her career in 1999 with Community Correctional Services (CCS), dedicating her career to the Hume region for this significant period. Throughout her 25 years of service, she has held numerous roles within CCS, ranging from an entry-level position to senior regional management roles, including community corrections officer, leading community corrections officer, supervisor, and manager of Court Practice. Her most notable contribution has been in her role as the supervisor of Court Assessment and Prosecution Services (CAPS), which she commenced in 2012. 

Rebecca is a prominent leader in the Hume region. Her knowledge extends beyond Court Services Victoria into CCS case management frameworks, practice guidelines and systems knowledge. She has played a significant role in the development and maintenance of a regional court list register, enabling efficient coordination of all upcoming court matters across the nine courts within the Hume region and allowing for practice efficiency and data collation. 

Rebecca is an active member of the Hume region demonstrating her commitment and dedication to the public service and her colleagues. This includes her active participation in regional risk committees, family violence practice committees, and representation on practice committees across the state. 

Rebecca has remained a steadfast figure during periods of significant reform, actively contributing to reform initiatives while actively mentoring and upskilling her colleagues. Her adaptability and resilience in navigating these reforms have been instrumental, reflecting her unwavering support for her team and the broader organisation. 

Throughout her 25-year career, Rebecca's exceptional organisational skills, dedication to efficiency, and commitment to public service has made her an invaluable asset to the Hume region. Her leadership and contributions continue to inspire and uplift her colleagues and the community. 

Tanya Zita, Manager, Court Practice, Broadmeadows Justice Service Centre 

Tanya commenced as a leading community corrections officer at Community Correctional Services (CCS) in 2004. Over the past 20 years, Tanya has demonstrated outstanding capability and dedication to her role, advancing through numerous front-line roles within CCS. ln her case management roles, Tanya has always demonstrated best practice case management and worked hard to achieve positive outcomes for the clients who often present with complex and challenging needs. She is currently serving as the manager of Court Practice at Broadmeadows Justice Service Centre (JSC). 

Tanya has played a critical role in creating a high-performing culture at the Broadmeadows JSC. With her commitment to implementing best practice case management, she has led her team through reforms and critical incidents as well as multiple changes in processes. Tanya has actively worked to build capable and engaged teams who are motivated to deliver quality case management, which results in positive client outcomes and improves the safety of the North-West Metropolitan area community. She also undertakes extensive stakeholder engagement, including Victoria Police, Broadmeadows Magistrates Court, family violence services and drug/alcohol and mental health providers to get the best outcomes for CCS clients. 

Tanya has been instrumental in developing robust emergency and incident management practices across the area. As a skilled workplace trainer, she is a lead facilitator for incident response training and has also facilitated cognitive skills workshops and motivational interviewing sessions with staff. Tanya has been able to create a culture where staff feel confident, safe and supported working with clients. 

Tanya commitment to her role, her team and the people she serves is commendable. Her leadership skills and dedication has created a high-performing culture at the Broadmeadows JSC and is an invaluable member of the leadership team. 

For the full list of Australia Day Honours for 2025, visit the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia’s website. (External link)