The history of Neighbourhood Watch Australasia
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 working as one, this has allowed Neighbourhood Watch Australasia to be born as a constituted (2006), incorporated association (2006).
Founding National Executive and past members
It is important to acknowledge the work and commitment of the founding National Executive and past members. The foundations they laid will help us develop a strong, unified Australasia approach to fostering safe communities.
National Executive 2006 to present
President:
| 2005-2007 | Mr Ken Mildred (Northern Territory) |
| 2007-2011 | Inspector Therese Walsh (Victoria) |
| 2011-2013 | Senior Sergeant Stephen Batterham (Queensland) |
| 2013-2015 | Honourable Patricia Leary (Tasmania ) |
| 2015- | Mr Bernie Durkin (Western Australia) |
Vice President:
| 2006-2008 | Chief Inspector Bill Prior (South Australia) |
| 2008-2011 | Inspector Carey Griffiths (New Zealand) |
| 2011-2015 | Mr Bernie Durkin (Western Australia) |
| 2015- | Mrs Clare McGrath (Australian Capital Territory) |
Treasurer:
| 2006-2008 | Mrs Ursula Macdermott (Australian Capital Territory) |
| 2008-2011 | Mr Terry Harbour (South Australia) |
| 2011-2013 | Ms Gill Metz (Victoria) |
| 2013- | Mrs Margaret Pearson (Australian Capital Territory) |
Secretary
| 2006-2011 | Mrs Ingrid Stonhill (New Zealand/Queensland) |
| 2011- | Mrs Margaret Pearson (Australian Capital Territory) |
Executive Officer
| 2006-2007 | Mr Peter Driver (Victoria) |
| 2007-2008 | Chief Inspector Bill Prior (South Australia) |
| 2008-2013 | Senior Sergeant David Wardrop (South Australia) position discontinued in 2013 |
The Public Officer
| 2006-2008 | Ms Katherine Murphy (Australian Capital Territory) |
| 2008-2017 | Mrs Ursula Macdermott (Australian Capital Territory) |
| 2017-2018 | Mrs Judy Webster (Australian Capital Territory) |
| 2018- | Ms Maria Bennett (Queensland) |
Secretariat Officer
| 2007-2008 | Senior Sergeant David Wardrop (South Australia) |
| 2008-2011 | Senior Sergeant Stephen Batterham (Queensland) position discontinued in 2011 |
National Manager/Chief Executive Officer
| 2011-2017 | Mrs Ingrid Stonhill (Queensland) |
Chief Executive Officer
| 2017- | Ms Maria Bennett (Queensland) |