Sharon Hanlon AM

For over a decade, Sharon Hanlon AM’s work has helped solve crimes on a local, national, and international level.

Starting as the director of Crime Stoppers South Australia in 2011, Ms Harlon became chair in 2013 before becoming the deputy chair and director of Crime Stoppers Australia in 2017.

A year later, she became the first woman to hold the position of president of Crime Stoppers International, where she remains today.

“I get immense satisfaction from the fact that communities are safer because of the vital work of Crime Stoppers – here in Australia and globally – in receiving anonymous information from citizens about crime and criminal activity and passing this to law enforcement to investigate and action,” she says.

“I also take great pride in working alongside very committed individuals, actively contributing to each organisation’s strategic planning, improving business operations, and strengthening corporate governance.

Ms Hanlon says the first thing she thought about when hearing of her recognition was the people she has worked with along the way.

“I was surprised and excited [when I heard], but also very mindful that I am just one person, when there are many incredible people who volunteer significant amounts of time to ensuring the sound and stressful operation of charities and not-for-profits, such as Crime Stoppers,” she says.

“I’m privileged to work with fantastic people – in South Australia, nationally and internationally – who are dedicated to making the world a safer place.

“I sincerely thank my fellow directors and management teams for their commitment, and Crime Stoppers’ partner’s and key stakeholders for their support.”