History

At a Neighbourhood Watch Conference, held in Darwin in 2003, participants identified and agreed that there was significant value in forming a National Governance structure to assist the growth and development of Neighbourhood Watch. It was adopted that a Neighbourhood Watch National Secretariat be formed and each year the Secretariat will be based in the State or Territory hosting the National Conference.

From that initiative, Neighbourhood Watch has gradually emerged to be a strong, supportive group with police and community volunteers working together. Since its inception Neighbourhood Watch Australasia has evolved to become a strong Australasian group ready to take the challenge of working together for the benefit of the Australasian community to reduce crime, engage with and foster safe communities.

This has not been achieved by any one person alone but by a group of committed community volunteers and police staff from all States, Territories and New Zealand. By combining their ideas, values and by working as one has allowed Neighbourhood Watch Australasia to be born as a constituted (2006), incorporated association (2006).

It is important to acknowledge the work and commitment of the founding National Executive and past members. (It is important to acknowledge where we have come from so that we may travel forward in a positive way.) The foundations they laid will help us develop a strong, unified Australasia approach to fostering safe communities.

Inaugural National Executive 2006

National President - Ken Mildred (NT)

National Vice President - Chief Inspector Bill Prior (SA)

National Secretary - Ingrid Stonhill (NZ)

National Treasurer - Ursula Macdermott (ACT)

National Credited Community Volunteer - Malcolm Grant (TAS)

National Serving Police Officer - Senior Sergeant Wayne Rasmussen (QLD)

Executive Officer - Peter Driver (VIC)
NB: For a 12 month period with approximately 10 hours per week commitment.

Public Officer - Detective Sergeant Katherine Murphy (ACT)
NB: Must reside in ACT – required as part of Incorporations Act

Key Advisor - Bill Horman (VIC)
NB: Can attend conferences but unable to vote

Key Advisor (Marketing) - Paul Wyatt (NT)
To be reviewed annually and then as required.

Australasian Secretariat - Senior Sergeant David Wardrop (SA)
Proposal: To establish State Coordinators of Neighbourhood Watch, being State, Territory and New Zealand as a permanent entity who disseminates information.

National Executive 2007

President - Tess Walsh (VIC)

Vice President - Sharron Leonhard (WA)

Secretary - Ingrid Stonhill (NZ)

Treasurer - Ursula Macdermott (ACT)

Volunteer Representative - Malcolm Grant (TAS)

Service Police Representative - Wayne Rasmussen (QLD)

Executive Officer - Bill Prior (SA)

Secretariat - David Wardrop (SA)

National Executive 2008

President - Tess Walsh (VIC)

Vice President - Carey Griffiths (NZ)

Secretary - Ingrid Stonhill (QLD)

Treasurer - Terry Harbour (SA)

Volunteer Representative - Malcolm Grant (TAS)

Service Police Representative - Insp Rob McCall (QLD)

Executive Officer - David Wardrop (SA)

Public Officer - Ursula Macdermott (ACT)

Secretariat - Steve Batterham (QLD)