Board, Patrons and Ambassadors

Board

CATHERINE KNOX

Chair

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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.

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JACQUIE MURRAY

Deputy Chair

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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

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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

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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.

JENNIFER TEH

Board Member

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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

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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)

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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.

Patrons

JUDITH HOPWOOD

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Judy has extensive experience working in the area of health and social justice. She is a Registered Nurse, holds a Master of Bioethics (UTS) and is currently a PhD candidate studying homelessness. As the immediate past MP for Hornsby she continues her involvement in committees addressing the issues of youth, domestic violence, homelessness, housing, health and women’s issues generally.

Hon. MATT KEAN MP

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MAYOR JENNIFER ANDERSON

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CARMEL AITKEN

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Cr BARBARA WARD

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Cr Barbara Ward was elected to Ku-ring-gai Council in 2021 and has lived in Gordon for nearly thirty years with her husband Gary.

Cr Ward is an experienced, accomplished businesswoman and community leader. She works across government, private and not for profit sectors with a long history of executive and governance roles in diverse industries. Cr Ward is an advocate for mental health and well-being, as well as domestic and family violence.

Alison Stewart

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From 2002-2011 Alison joined the Hornsby Homelessness Task Force on request from Judy Hopwood, State Member for Hornsby. On this Task Force, Alison represented The Dish - a Church group serving meals to the needy at least once a week in Hornsby Park. For many years Alison was the Chair of the Hornsby Homelessness Task Force.

During this period it was obvious that the need was extremely great for single women escaping domestic abuse and homelessness - and as a result Alison was integral in establishing the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter in 2015. A property was secured and the Shelter was functioning effectively quite quickly. The Shelter was strongly supported by Ku-ring-gai Council’s Mayor Jennifer Anderson, alson a Patron of HKWS.

For many years, Alison coordinated a roster of schools and churches to serve meals to those in need on a regular basis. She also worked with members of Parliament and Housing NSW to support housing options for those sleeping rough. She is known by many in the local community and gets greeted warmly by those who she's supported. Alison finds this work delightful and rewarding.

Ambassadors

About the HKWS Ambassador Program

HKWS is founded and built on the commitment and support of individuals and community groups who volunteer, donate and advocate for women and families experiencing domestic abuse and homelessness.

Our Ambassador program formalises the relationship between HKWS and individuals who commit to raising awareness. We are so grateful to our allies who use their voice and their platforms to not only advocate for women and families experiencing domestic abuse and homelessness, but to call for change.

We look forward to introducing you to more of our HKWS Ambassadors throughout the year.

Nick McArdle

HKWS Ambassador

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Nick McArdle’s career in Australian media spans more than three decades – starting in radio before 11 years with the Seven Network and 13 years with Fox Sports. Nick anchored Fox Sports Rugby, has reported on and hosted Summer and Winter Olympic Games, as well as hosting a number of Australian cricket tours and tennis grand slams. Nick hosts his own podcast The Playmakers’ Playbook, which looks at leadership in sport and the business of sport. He’s now working on the game he loves at Australia’s new home of Rugby – Nine and Stan Sport.

“I am thrilled to be an Ambassador for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter. Domestic abuse doesn’t discriminate. It results from gender inequality and is driven by a need for power and control. Why did I get involved? Domestic abuse isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s a society issue, a silent pandemic. It is only when the community works together, men and women, that we can raise awareness and help stop abuse. And being involved in sport… I think that can be a powerful thing too. Sport is central to Australia’s way of life, it influences culture and leaders in sport can influence communities. Traditionally male dominated sporting environments can play a valuable role and be a powerful voice for change. Together we can all play a role in raising awareness and reducing rates of domestic abuse in Australia.”

Board, Patrons and Ambassadors

Board

CATHERINE KNOX

Chair

JACQUIE MURRAY

Deputy Chair

CHANIA RODWELL

Treasurer

KATE GILES

Board Member

JENNIFER TEH

Board Member

NICK BLACKWELL

Board Member

NEESHA ECKERSLEY

Board Member (COO, Women’s Community Shelters)

Patrons

JUDITH HOPWOOD

Hon. MATT KEAN MP

MAYOR JENNIFER ANDERSON

CARMEL AITKEN

Cr BARBARA WARD

Alison Stewart

Ambassadors

About the HKWS Ambassador Program

Nick McArdle

HKWS Ambassador

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