BOARD DIRECTORS & STAFF Bernie Durkin – Chairman, Western Australia Bernie is the Executive Manager for the Community Engagement Division of the Western Australia Police. Part of this role encompasses the position of WA State Director for NHW. In 1988 Bernie joined WA Police as a sworn Police Officer then switching to a Public Servant in 2008. In his current role Bernie manages a team of crime prevention community engagement staff and is extensively involved with NHW at both a State and National level. Bernie is currently the Chairman of Neighbourhood Watch Australasia.
Margaret Pearson – Company Secretary Throughout Margaret’s career she has made a significant contribution to the voluntary sector by being involved with numerous community organisations including ACT Neighbourhood Watch Association Inc. where she held a number of positions within that organisation and has recently retired from the role of President. Having lived overseas for a number of years Margaret returned, with her family, to Canberra where she continues to follow her great interest in local and international politics. Margaret is currently the Company Secretary of NHWA.
Clare McGrath – Australian Capital Territory Clare is currently the Vice-President and Board Member of the ACT Neighbourhood Watch Association. Clare has been an active member of NHW since 1985, primarily in the Ainslie Suburb of Canberra where she has lived since 1962 after moving from Melbourne. Clare is a self‑professed sports lover and a one eyed Hawthorn supporter.
Assistant Commissioner Lesa Gale – AFP Assistant Commissioner Gale’s passion for combatting all forms of human exploitation and maintaining community safety has been admirably demonstrated throughout her entire 33 year career and in 2019 was appointed head of AFP Northern Command and the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation. During her career in the AFP, Assistant Commissioner Gale has combined significant leadership expertise across serious and organised crime and national security portfolios, leading the delivery of business outcomes across AFP Commands in Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. Assistant Commissioner Gale holds a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management and was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2019.
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NHWA JOURNAL APRIL 2022
