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26 JANUARY 2026
From Wollongong to Fairfield, Junee to Parklea, and across the state with the Security Operations Group, five Corrective Services NSW professionals have been recognised in the Australia Day Honours List.
Samara Abbott, Minh Tran, James Adair, Guy Blinman and Mitchell von Borstel will each receive the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) for exemplary service in keeping our prisons and wider communities safe.
The recipients span leadership in community corrections, culturally informed rehabilitation, operational excellence, vocational training, and high‑risk incident response.
CSNSW Commissioner Gary McCahon said their achievements reflect the courage and care required to change trajectories - both for individuals and for communities.
“These are professionals who turn tough days into turning points,” Commissioner McCahon said.
“Their work is complex and, at times, confronting; yet their impact is unmistakable - safer centrs, stronger communities, and better outcomes for people in custody or under supervision.
“On behalf of CSNSW, I extend my sincere congratulations and thanks.”
Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong also commended the recipients on their hard work and dedication.
“These recipients embody the professionalism and integrity that keeps NSW safe,” Minister Chanthivong said.
“These awardees are role models for their peers.
“I thank each recipient for their contributions to strengthen public safety and reflect the best of public service in New South Wales.”
Recipients will be awarded their medals at NSW Government House at a later date.
Ms Samara Abbott is the Manager of Wollongong Community Corrections, recognised for transforming workplace culture, strengthening Aboriginal outcomes, and driving significant improvements in staff engagement and service delivery.
Her people‑focused leadership has enhanced outcomes for clients, empowered her team, and contributed to strategic policy development across the Southern Region.
Mr Minh Tran is the Vietnamese Engagement and Culture Officer at Fairfield Community Corrections, where he plays a pivotal role in supporting Vietnamese clients through culturally tailored programs, counselling partnerships, and targeted interventions.
His deep community connections and commitment to culturally safe, person‑centred practice have strengthened engagement, reduced reoffending, and improved outcomes for one of the location’s largest client cohorts.
Mr James Adair is the Manager of Security at Junee Correctional Centre, recognised for his strong leadership, adaptability, and longstanding commitment to rehabilitation, operational excellence and staff support across a wide range of frontline and management roles.
His calm, solutions‑focused approach and significant contributions during major organisational transitions and COVID‑19 response efforts have made him a highly valued member of Corrective Services NSW.
Mr Guy Blinman is a Trade Overseer at Parklea Correctional Centre, where he has spent more than a decade teaching cabinet‑making and practical trade skills that support inmate rehabilitation and future employment.
His hands‑on mentorship, focus on work ethic and teamwork, and contribution to community‑focused projects have made the Cabinet Shop a place of pride and a catalyst for positive change within the centre.
Mr Mitchell von Borstel is a Tactical Operator with the Security Operations Group, recognised for his intelligence‑led search operations, calm management of high‑risk incidents, and ability to de‑escalate volatile situations safely.
His leadership, professionalism and operational innovations have strengthened system‑wide safety, enhanced accountability, and advanced intelligence‑driven correctional practice across NSW.