Board Directors & Staff

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.

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.

Deputy Commissioner Gale’s passion for combatting all forms of human exploitation and maintaining community safety has been admirably demonstrated throughout her 35 year career, most notably in her previous role as head of the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation. During her career in the AFP, Deputy 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. Deputy Commissioner Gale holds a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management and was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2019.

Inspector Brett Callander is the Manager Community Prevention Partnerships for New Zealand Police and is  based at Police National Headquarters, Wellington.

He manages Community Policing, Community Partners, Health Partnerships, Alcohol Harm Prevention, Community Inclusion, Rural Policing and Crowded Places.

Brett has been a Police officer for 28 years and has worked in Frontline Policing, Youth Services, Diplomatic Protection, Alcohol Harm Prevention, Mental Health and Community Policing. Brett served with NZ Police in Timor-Leste for four years.

Superintendent Robert Fleischer joined the NSW Police in 1997, moving to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) in 2002. He has worked in various areas of Policing, including general duties, Drug Unit, Covert and Surveillance Operations Unit, State Intelligence Group, Security and Counter- Terrorism Command, and the Commissioner’s Office.

Rob is currently at the QPS Communications, Culture and Engagement Division and manages several portfolios including Youth Programs, Community Engagement and Crime Prevention.

Peter Edwards is a former Commander in the Tasmanian Police Service. He has extensive experience across diverse policing portfolios within his home State, as well as national and international law enforcement representation. He has served as a Detective, Prosecutor, Intelligence Officer and Head of Training. Peter is currently the President of Neighbourhood Watch Tasmania.

Angela has a background in corporate governance and risk management. She has worked in both the public sector and the private sector (small business). In addition, she has significant volunteering and volunteer Board experience over many years.

She moved to Canberra from NSW eight years ago and has been an active member and Secretary of ACT Neighbourhood Watch for four years.

Chief Inspector Melissa Gilchrist joined South Australia Police (SAPOL) in 2002, performing general duties in metropolitan Adelaide, Intelligence, IT Project Management, HR, Media and Communications and Community Engagement roles. In 2024, she commenced her current role as the Officer in Charge of Community Engagement Section, responsible for Corporate Events Unit, Awards and Recognition Unit, the Band of South Australia Police, Neighbourhood Watch Unit and Public Engagement Unit. Community Engagement Section leads SAPOL’s strategic approach to community engagement and focuses on using proven crime prevention methodologies and public engagement to reduce actual crime and fear of crime.

Maria has extensive knowledge, management skills and leadership experience in both the public and private sectors, working closely with many prominent charities and not for profit organisations. Prior to joining NHWA Maria was Director of a promotions company for 9 years and has had a successful career in corporate sales and marketing roles. Previous management roles in medical and health industries in Australia, New Zealand and Asia, have provided experience in coordination of major projects and exposure to the differing legislative and regulatory environments involved as well as an awareness of the unique physical and social challenges each location brings.

Maria brings great enthusiasm to her role, acknowledging the vital contribution NHWA makes to crime prevention and community safety, as together we deal with many changes and challenges.