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.

Jacqui Honeywood is a Queensland Police Service officer with more than 28 years of experience across a broad range of policing and organisational functions. Her career has encompassed frontline policing, the Criminal Investigation Branch, Education and Training, Recruiting and Recruit Training, and Multicultural Affairs. Jacqui is currently Acting Superintendent, Community Safety, with strategic oversight of the State Crime Prevention, Police Citizen Youth Clubs, Youth Programs, and Multicultural Affairs portfolios within the QPS.

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.

Selina Otto rejoined the Neighbourhood Watch Australasia team in 2024, bringing experience in not‑for‑profit organisations, corrective services, and start‑up companies. With tertiary qualifications in criminology and justice and hands-on experience in rehabilitation and community engagement, she brings an informed perspective on the social, behavioural, and community factors that underpin safer neighbourhoods. Selina is passionate about empowering communities to take an active role in preventing crime and strengthening the connections, awareness, and collaboration that support safe, inclusive and resilient communities.