BOARD
CATHERINE KNOX
Chair
Catherine has over 20 years experience of leadership and advocacy in the areas of maternal mental health, refugees, asylum seekers, domestic abuse and homelessness. A passionate defender of women’s rights, Catherine works to improve women’s safety and equity of access to professional care and support. As a not for profit business leader she has developed and implemented a number of women centred innovative services.
Seeking to drive positive social change, Catherine collaborates with stakeholders from the community, not for profit, business and corporate sectors.
Catherine is a published author with post graduate qualifications in Gender Studies and Social Impact Business. She was Davidson electorate 2013 Woman of the Year.
JACQUIE MURRAY
Deputy Chair
Jacquie is an experienced, values-based not-for-profit leader who is deeply passionate about supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic and family violence. Jacquie’s background includes legal practice, management in not-for-profit environments, fundraising, working with families in out-of-home care, program development and mental health advocacy work. Her career reflects a commitment to contributing to the not-for-profit sector through a trauma informed, client centred lens with a focus on community engagement and social justice.
CHANIA RODWELL
Treasurer
Chania is a finance professional whose career has spanned investing, directorship, CFO and advisory roles across a range of industries. She currently acts as the Group Finance Director of the Vortex Group of Companies, an Australasian equipment plus pump and power contractor.
She was a founding member of the Australian Investment Council’s Diversity Committee which over four years helped to increase the number of women working in investment roles from under 20 to over 160.
She joined the HKWS team in 2020 to help drive better outcomes for the vulnerable women in the Hornsby community, where she has lived since 2004.
KATE GILES
Board Member
Kate is a teacher and former lawyer who joined HKWS in 2022/23. She has been a Primary school teacher for over 10 years and currently holds a role in student wellbeing. Prior to this she worked in large law firms as an insurance litigation lawyer for over 7 years.
Kate is currently studying for her Master in Education specialising in student wellbeing and is passionate about improving the mental health of children. She joined HKWS to give back to her local community and help in the lives of vulnerable women and children.
MARTIN PAECH
Board Member
Martin’s career has included roles in telecommunications, technology, software and direct sales. He has led teams to build start ups, undertake complex business transformations and manage large scale operations.
He has held senior roles at Cable and Wireless, Singtel Optus and run the European operation of ACN, a global direct selling business. He has served on Boards as Executive Director of consulting and software companies and as a Statutory Board member of AFTRS.
Martin enjoys working within motivated and innovative teams, and creating sustainable solutions for all stakeholders. He joins HKWS to help provide support for vulnerable women and children.
JENNIFER TEH
Board Member
Jennifer grew up and lives in the Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai area. Jennifer joined the HKWS due to her desire to give back to the community and to assist the Shelter to empower women to escape domestic violence and create a better future for themselves.
Jennifer has a background in employment law and employee relations, having worked in both the private sector and in-house at the SBS. As a purpose-led individual, Jennifer is also passionate about sustainability. Her current role as Sustainability Manager will see her leading her employer’s focus on positive environmental, social and governance outcomes.
NICK BLACKWELL
Board Member
Nick comes to HKWS with experience in project management and operational roles focused on construction, innovation and sustainability. He has worked in corporate roles for over 20 years, and since 2020, Nick has taken a leadership role with his company’s gender equity community
Although Nick spent several years working overseas, he has spent most of his life in the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai area, where he is now based, and has been actively involved in volunteering with sporting clubs, schools and a community preschool.
Recognising that the prevention of gender based violence needs to involve men, Nick joined the HKWS because he is also passionate about helping to build a fairer world.
NEESHA ECKERSLEY
Board Member (COO, Women’s Community Shelters)
Driven by social justice, equality and equity; I am proud to be working alongside the Board, staff, volunteers and community of Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter (HKWS) to be part of the solutions to end domestic and family violence across communities. Women have the right to live free of violence, and HKWS offers that safe space to recover, heal and reset on a pathway free from violence.