A Presidential Path

From design studios to detective work, Celeste steps into a leadership role with creativity, curiosity, and a flair for uncovering the truth.

Not many Investigators make the crossing from the Design and Marketing industries, but then Celeste has never been one to wander the conventional path. Her sharp eye for detail latched onto the path to unearth the answers with a genuine curiosity and rigorous analytical skills, and she never looked back.

In 2023, Celeste's professional journey led to her specialisation in workplace misconduct investigations, a field in which she flourishes through her lateral thinking and clear communication skills.

Humble Beginnings: from Student Member to Chapter President

Along the trail, Celeste forged connections with the Australian Institute of Professional Investigators (AIPI), joining as a student member in 2022. Fast forward to 2026, and Celeste humbly and ambitiously steps into her appointed role as President of the SA Chapter. 

“I’m thrilled to have been appointed President of the SA Chapter, I look forward to fostering greater collaboration and building connections across South Australia’s investigation industry; including investigators, students, clients, and suppliers alike.”

As she moves forward into this role, Celeste is focused on three clear pillars: Upholding professional standards, driving industry development, and fostering genuine collaboration within the investigative community. South Australia boasts a small but mighty investigation sector poised to grow under determined leadership.

Celeste acknowledges her predecessor, extending her sincere thanks to Mark Woods of WISO and his dedication, and she intends to build on that foundation.

Fostering Community and Collaboration

The way a person fosters community and brings people together is indicative of their leadership style; after all, what is a journey without company?

Another stop along the trail saw Celeste hosting the first AIPI Quiz night, It’s Elementary, for the SA Chapter, bringing together non-investigators and professionals alike. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and it was a reminder that community building doesn’t always have to look like a formal conference; sometimes it's a trivia round and a good laugh with colleagues.

Knitting the Industry Together

Each of us alone is like a single thread; until we come together, we cannot create something beautiful. Celeste looks forward to bringing the threads together and would love to hear from you, whether you’re a student, a client looking to better understand the industry, a service provider, or an experienced investigator.

“If you have any ideas for engaging our industry, or would be interested in presenting at one of our upcoming meetups, please don’t hesitate to reach out,” she says. “I’m excited to work together to advance the investigation profession in South Australia.”

The investigation industry is at its best when people share knowledge, support each other, and take the profession seriously. With Celeste at the helm of the SA Chapter, that future looks bright — and probably involves another quiz night.

Photoshoot with Peter Fisher

There are many meanings behind the number 4. Resonations of practicality, organisation, building strong foundations, pragmatism, dignity, determination and a sense of high morality. It was for these reasons that we set out on the 4th of the 4th, with a rugged determination and drive, to capture our essence in the mastery of Peter Fisher’s photography.

Who am I kidding? That’s a load of tripe, the fourth of April just happened to be a convenient time for all of us to convene and commence our careers as models.  Bleary eyed and scruffy-haired, the five of us rolled out of our respective beds at the ungodly hour of 7.30 am, dragged our heavy feet out of our abodes and assembled ourselves in as respectable a condition we could for the ritual morning coffee before our hard half-day of being really really ridiculously good-looking.

To delve back into the symbolism; we held the first segment of our shoot on the Riverbank Precinct Pedestrian Bridge and, as we all know, bridges are symbolic of strong foundations, progression and communication between realms. Again, of course, I’d be lying if I said these were the conscious reasons we chose this specific location… However, the intention was to capture the picturesque essence of iconic Adelaide locations. The symbolism makes for a nice flourish.

To reign it back in, Mr Fisher met with us on the aforementioned bridge and washed away our fears of being slightly more conspicuous in public than we’re used to. One of our Directors, Vincent Henderson, was up first toting a Nikon camera and an inquisitive expression.

Investigator Jackie Burke was second in line for the photography, her cool and calm descent on the stairs symbolising reflection and stepping onto a new floor.

From the footbridge we transitioned to the underground, a passage through the railway station heralding the beginning of a new journey into different worlds. It was here that Celeste and Tom were captured as they embark on their new careers, Celeste already having commenced Investigative work and Tom about to take his first steps.

With all of the scary outside world photos successfully sealed away on Peter’s camera we ventured to a cosy little corner closer to home, Chacha Bar on South Terrace to capture some more of those symbolic shots that we love so much.

It was here that we rendezvous’d with Director, and Principal Investigator, Sam Horrocks. Timber tones to signify inner strength, stability, and the strength to withstand challenges… and, of course, coffee to make all of that just a bit more possible.

Apparently Vin was there pretending to do some work as well!

Many thanks to our friend Peter Fisher for taking us on a lovely relaxed stroll to capture these images, it was truly enjoyable to witness the passion he has for his work. Additionally, we are much appreciative of Chacha Bar for allowing us to occupy their space and utilise their aesthetics.

‘Let's Discuss Risk in the Investigations Industry – Sam Horrocks’

We're very excited that Sam will be presenting at the next AIPI meetup on Tuesday 25 March 2025 at the Marion Hotel.

Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1367428

Sam Horrocks is a Principal Investigator and Director of Henderson Horrocks Risk Services. She is a Committee member of the AIPI SA Chapter, and she has an extensive background in business systems, HR Policy, WHS, and performance appraisal/management. Sam's work now predominantly consists of factual investigations for government and commercial enterprises into potential employee misconduct, bullying and harassment, governance/fraud, and workplace assault and theft.

This discussion session will focus on identifying risk within the investigation industry and how to minimise it. Sam will introduce topics, and we want your input and experiences.

Topics for discussion include:

• Risks associated with taking on new clients for both factual and surveillance matters and when it's important to run a background check.

• How to reduce your WHS risks when attending interviews, serving documents, skip tracing, or conducting surveillance.

• Your actions and behaviours that give rise to risk.

• Risks associated with potential conflicts of interest.

• Risks arising from clients asking you to make findings of fact and recommendations.

• What are the legal, moral and ethical risks associated with investigations? From witnessing criminal activity during surveillance to reporting misconduct and corruption when acting as a public officer for the government.

• Identifying risks for clients – impact on all parties, non-action, legal v practical, “the irreparable relationship.”

• Reducing client and self-risk by referring to lawyers.