BOARD
CHAIR
Sherrie meyer
Sherrie became active in QHVSG in 1995 as a founding member. Her family has also been involved in the group since that time in a number of roles. Sherrie was the president of the organisation from 1995 through to 1998, as well as a staff member from 1998 through to 2006. Sherrie is committed to promoting education, awareness, and training within the organisation and to the wider community to promote the needs and the welfare of families impacted by homicide. As a previous board member, Sherrie understands the challenges that come with negotiating a broad range of systems to promote the multitude of needs experienced by our membership; within government, non-government and private sectors. Sherrie has a Registered Nurse License (FLA – USA), a Bachelor of Social Work and is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, where she specialised in Child Trauma Counselling for 15 years. In that time Sherrie has consulted and liaised with various agencies, such as Police, Child Safety, Education, Health and Mental Health, Victim Assist and the Department of Justice, as well as not-for-profit and private organisations. Sherrie is now in private practice and provides trauma counselling and psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults. She also provides group art therapy specialising in trauma healing and recovery. In 2024, Sherrie was selected to join the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council, where she provides input from the perspective of the victim of crime.
treasurer
Dr. Conor O’Brien
Conor’s professional career spans 15 years in which time he has held various commercial, economic and policy advisory roles. Conor has worked within a variety of private and public office organisations including utilities and global advisory firms, as well as the Queensland Parliament. Conor possesses intimate knowledge of Queensland policy and law-making processes, along with professional and academic experience in infrastructure development and financing. In 2023, Conor graduated from the University of Queensland’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. During his medical studies, Conor focused on developing the skills necessary to achieve excellence in patient-centered care through the translation of biomedical and psychosocial knowledge to the clinical environment. Conor has special interests in critical care and rural medicine, and management of patients experiencing traumatic stress. Conor joined the QHVSG Board in 2021 after learning of the important and unique contribution the organisation makes to the wider community through both support and advocacy for those impacted by homicide. Within his role on the board, Conor works to assist in the development and execution of the QHVSG’s operational and strategic objectives to ensure the organisation’s capability, enabling it to continue to deliver the highest quality support services and advocacy.
Secretary
Monique Ferrario
Monique became a member of QHVSG when her 36-year-old brother Mitchell was murdered in April 2009. Monique is a professional early childhood educator and has run her own successful business for over 20 years. She has been a volunteer with QHVSG since 2010 and in 2015 first served on the QHVSG Board of Directors as a general board member. As a peer support group leader, Monique is aware of the importance of peer support. She has supported many members through home visits, telephone support, court support as well as facilitating the monthly Gold Coast support group meetings. Monique is committed to raising awareness in the community, supporting our education programs and providing advocacy for our members; she has shown complete commitment to making a difference in the lives of our members. Monique is a dedicated fundraiser and has volunteered at many events, has organised events such as the 2015 Brisbane Walk for Support and Family Fun Day, the Annual Night of Recognition, the Christmas Celebration, the Children’s Christmas Party, and the Member Weekend Retreats. Monique was recognised for her volunteer efforts in 2014, 2018 and 2022 when she was presented with the QHVSG Volunteer Of The Year Award.. Monique feels privileged to support our members in memory of her brother and finds a great deal of comfort in surrounding herself with people who have experienced homicide in their lives.
Director
JULIE WATERS
Julie became a member of QHVSG in July 2011 when her son Damian Leeding was murdered. Initially, Julie went to the meetings for support, but it soon became apparent that this organisation was unique in what it did for its members and so she realised her desire to be a part of helping others through this horrific journey. Julie is committed to supporting the board and the QHVSG team to achieve greater outcomes for its members in all facets of the organisation, be it support, legislative reform, education programs or research projects: she aims to build awareness and develop an inclusive engagement strategy. Julie is a keen advocate of law reform and continues to support members through the implementation of new strategies in the hopes to achieve positive outcomes for our members. Julie is currently the chairperson for the Body Corporate Committee where she lives on the Gold Coast. Julie has previously worked as a girl guides leader, and she has been active with various sporting groups such as Nippers, soccer and swimming clubs. Julie has strong ties within the community and has relied on these networks to successfully source and secure major prizes for our fundraising efforts. Julie has helped coordinate projects such as the QHVSG Brisbane Family Fun Day, the Walk for Support, the International Women’s Day Dining with Daisies Breakfast, the Gold Coast Family Fun Day, as well as the Inaugural Annual Night of Recognition and Christmas Celebration.
Chief Executive Officer
Brett Thompson
Brett has a Bachelor of Education and has worked at executive levels since 1998. His work across private, government and not-for-profit sectors has provided him with an extensive range of experiences to bring to QHVSG. After a successful twenty-year career in secondary education, Brett made the shift to the not-for-profit sector. This change was inspired after undertaking nine years of voluntary work as an ambulance officer in a small community, where Brett found a great sense of personal satisfaction in being able to help people in crisis. During his time in that voluntary role, Brett saw the impact of homicide on individuals, families, and an entire community. Brett has worked on government legislative review committees, ministerial forums, and has successfully advocated for systemic and legislative changes on local, state and national levels. Brett was appointed as CEO of QHVSG in May 2017, where he is proud to be able to serve.
MEET OUR PATRON
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) recognises and values the Queensland Homicide Victims’ Support Group (QHVSG) as a trusted and essential partner in supporting individuals, families, and communities tragically impacted by homicide.
The QHVSG provides specialist, trauma‑informed support that complements police services by offering compassion, continuity, and advocacy at a time when it is needed most.
Through education, personalised assistance, and community connection, the QHVSG plays a critical role in helping victims navigate grief and trauma while strengthening community resilience.
The QPS sincerely values the dedication and professionalism of the QHVSG and is committed to further strengthening the partnership between our organisations.
Patron, Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing APM
Commissioner of Police, Queensland Police Service
