Tuesday, 17 February 2026

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (13:28): I rise today to recognise the 2026 Australia Day honours recipients from corrections and youth justice. These awards honour distinguished service delivered consistently, professionally and often out of the spotlight. At the outset I congratulate Andrea Davidson, who was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding service to youth justice in Victoria. As commissioner for youth justice, Andrea strengthened rehabilitation and community confidence across community and custodial operations. She oversaw the opening of Cherry Creek and led the delivery of the first Aboriginal youth justice strategy, Wirkara Kulpa. As the interim CEO of Victoria’s new violence reduction unit, she is now working tirelessly to prevent crime from occurring in the first place.

I also acknowledge three recipients of the Australian Corrections Medal: Serena Francke, Vicki Ryan and Julie Marchant. Over nine years Serena Francke, a prison supervisor at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, has progressed through frontline roles, managed critical incidents and strengthened trauma-informed practice in custody. Vicki Ryan, the general manager of the Metropolitan Remand Centre, has served in corrections for more than 30 years; a remarkable story of service. In this time she has led complex custodial operations and guided high-risk placements with fairness and accountability. Julie Marchant, a specialist case manager in community corrections in Dandenong, has taken on the challenge of supervising serious violent and sexual offenders. For 17 years she has focused on reducing risk through rigorous case management and therapeutic support. I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the government to congratulate Andrea, Serena, Vicki and Julie on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your dedication and service to our state.