Highly regarded and respected Mount Gambier Prison employee Allan Bridges has formally been recognised for his distinguished service and leadership in a recent ceremony by Her Excellency the Governor of South Australia, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC.
Mr Bridges has worked at the private jail for 30 years and received an Australian Corrections Medal in the Kings Birthday Honours List in June.
This accolade was formalised in an investiture at Government House in Adelaide.
“I felt honoured to visit Government House to receive my award,” said the Millicent resident.
“I also felt humble and privileged to be amongst the group of 14 recipients who were recognised for their achievements and contributions in the community.”
Department of Correctional Services chief executive David Brown attended the event to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of Mr Bridges, who was also accompanied by his wife Amalia, son Matthew and daughter Hayley.
Throughout his career, Mr Bridges has had a passionate focus on prisoner rehabilitation, priding himself on his supportive nature towards prisoners during their journey through the correctional system.
Originally from the United Kingdom, he has sourced countless local programs which have been beneficial in the successful return to community for many of the offenders managed at Mount Gambier Prison.
Mr Bridges has made a significant contribution to the safety and wellbeing of the South Australian community throughout his three decades of service with G4S, successfully helping offenders resettle and reintegrate into society upon release.
His networking across South Australia is second to none and he is an active and proud member of the broader DCS team.
“Amongst the highlights of my career, I have been fortunate to represent Mount Gambier Prison at two Future Corrections Conferences in Sydney and inform the attendees what a great job we all do in the management and rehabilitation of offenders,” Mr Bridges said.
“We tend to understate our achievements and a lot of our good work often goes unnoticed.
“I would encourage anyone thinking of joining SA Corrections, to give it a go.
“The job can be rewarding, occasionally confronting, never boring.
“What keeps me motivated is that every day is different, you never know what could happen next and always be prepared to expect the unexpected.”
