Mr Dougall, who started as an officer at Goulburn Correctional Centre in 2001, has been honoured for his distinguished service and dedication to corrections.

The typically modest Mr Dougall did not wish to be interviewed but his department has heaped praise on the current High Risk Management Unit's senior corrections officer.

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"During his 20-year career with Corrective Services NSW, Evan has developed a reputation for displaying fairness, professionalism and a simple, firm leadership style," his citation read.

"In his (current) role in...Goulburn, Evan manages the segregation and induction unit and leads a small team of correctional staff.

"Evan and his team are required to manage some of the most high-risk offenders in the NSW correctional system securely and humanely. To do this, he needs to keep his team highly motivated and engaged, even when faced with violent and challenging behaviour from inmates.

"Evan ensures his team maintains a strong focus on security and safety. He is a good role model for junior staff and is always a good verbal communicator when dealing with his colleagues."

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He was described as a "constant, stable member of the team for both inmates and staff," and an officer with a "commonsense approach" in his dealings. His mentorship had also helped change inmate behaviour through "fairness, professionalism, and a stable routine."

"Inmates at Goulburn Correctional Complex come from a variety of backgrounds and many have mental health issues. Evan displays fairness in dealing with these inmates, even when faced with a hostile situation," his citation read.

"Evan is a quiet achiever who displays an understanding that no two people or offenders are the same."

Corrections Minister Geoff Lee congratulated him and four other officers, outside Goulburn, who received the Australian Corrections Medal.

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"These officers have shown outstanding leadership and professionalism ensuring our correctional facilities are safe, efficient and committed to improving outcomes for offenders," Mr Lee said.

"They should be very proud recipients of this prestigious honour. I thank them for their service to NSW and hope their dedication continues to encourage and inspire their colleagues."

The Australian Corrections Medal was introduced in 2018. The recipients will be invested with their medals at NSW Government House at a later date.

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