A Barwon Prison officer who intervened in a violent confrontation between  two prisoners has today received one of Corrections Victoria’s highest  honours, the Medal of Valour.

Minister for Corrections Edward O’Donohue today presented 56-year-old  Barwon Supervisor Robert McNally with Corrections Victoria’s Medal of  Valour at a Parliament House ceremony.

Established in 1958, the medal can be awarded to prison staff for acts of  conspicuous bravery in the line of duty.
In July 2013, Mr McNally intervened between two prisoners, one of whom had  a sharp object, during an aggressive and dangerous confrontation.

While he sustained minor injuries in the process, his actions prevented  the two prisoners from suffering serious injury.

Mr O’Donohue praised Mr McNally’s bravery, saying he went above and beyond  the call of duty to protect the security of the prison and contain a  dangerous situation.

“Mr McNally’s heroic actions highlight the commitment and dedication that  Victoria’s prison officers bring to their work, day in, day out,” Mr  O’Donohue said.

“On behalf of the community and the corrections system, it gives me great  pleasure to present Barwon Prison Supervisor Robert McNally with one of  Corrections Victoria’s highest honours, the Medal of Valour.”

Mr McNally joined Corrections Victoria in 2002. Since then, he has worked  as a prison officer, as a member of the specialist Security and Emergency  Services Group, and now as a supervisor at Barwon Prison.

Corrections Victoria Commissioner Jan Shuard said Victoria’s prison system  had a proud history dating back to the 1850s.

“Today’s award is a rare honour and I congratulate Mr McNally for his  bravery and on this remarkable achievement,” Ms Shuard said.

“Our staff are our greatest asset, and Corrections Victoria is proud to  have officers as committed and passionate to making a difference as Mr  McNally.

“All of Victoria’s prison officers perform an excellent job, often in a  challenging environment, to keep the community safe and the prison system  secure.”

Ms Shuard said the Medal of Valour was last awarded eight years ago when a  Barwon prison officer tackled a prisoner to prevent him from assaulting a  fellow officer.

The medal was first introduced in 1958 following an incident at Pentridge  Prison in 1954 when a staff member escaped a hostage scenario to raise the  alarm.