MCEC appoints new in-house Security Manager

 John Galea

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Security Manager - John Galea. John will play an instrumental role in assessing risk, developing strategy and managing the venue’s key security contractor relationships.

This newly-created role highlights the importance MCEC places on the safety of its employees, visitors and the local community, and will work alongside the venue’s current security providers, Charter Security and Business Risks International (BRI).

John’s previous role as National Risk Manager at BRI is preceded by his role as Security Operations Manager at Crown Melbourne, in addition to an impressive range of experience across Asia, Europe and the Middle East with Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the United Nations.

On his appointment, John said he was looking forward to working with MCEC’s dynamic team to deliver a seamless security operation.

“I am very excited by the opportunity to play an integral role in shaping MCEC’s security, risk and safety environment, and am looking forward to joining a great team that provides an award-winning experience in a world class venue,” Mr Galea said.

MCEC’s Senior Manager of Operations, Grant Padula welcomed the appointment and said John’s extensive international experience would be a tremendous asset to MCEC.

“I have no doubt that John’s background and wealth of experience will serve our venue well, and places the safety of our employees and visitors in the best possible hands.

“We welcome hundreds of international events to MCEC each year. His wide range of international event exposure will provide us with a greater depth of understanding and allow us to effectively manage each event,” Mr Padula added.

In 2011, John was part of the AFP leadership team deployed to New Zealand to support police and provide welfare, safety and security to many vulnerable and distraught local citizens following the devastating Christchurch earthquake.

His role training the Iraqi police in 2006, as one of two AFP agents deployed to Jordan during a period of extreme and violent civil disorder, is another key career highlight and earned him a ‘King Abdullah II Medal’ for his service.

John will commence his new role at MCEC on Monday 30 May 2016.