Volunteers

PhD, Grad Cert (Journalism), BA (Hons)]
Coordinator, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning | Faculty of Health Sciences
Helen is a wadjela who has lived on Noongar Wadjuk country for most of her life and has a strong interest in social justice. Helen is very grateful for the life and advantages she has had as a consequence of living in this country. Helen works at Curtin University in the Faculty of Health Sciences and has the privilege of being involved in the common first-year unit Indigenous Cultures and Health. This unit aims to provide future health graduates with an understanding of the history, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to better prepare them to work in partnership and provide culturally appropriate health and social services. Currently, Helen is teaching in the unit but has been involved in several related projects at Curtin. Her own education in Aboriginal history came late; like most non-Aboriginal people she was ignorant of the history of our country and the impact of colonisation as she wasn’t taught any of this at school. She believes she is still learning! Helen is the Chair of the Reconciliation Action Plan Committee at her daughter’s school, Beehive Montessori. Her hope is that if we educate non-Aboriginal children so they have an understanding of Aboriginal culture and history they can actively contribute to a better future by becoming agents of change. Helen came to meet Ann through her friend and colleague Professor Marion Kickett (who she works with at Curtin) and when she heard about the great work Ann was doing she was more than happy to assist through writing grant applications. Through its culturally secure programmes, Kinship Connections WA addresses a significant gap in social services. Helen feels humbled and lucky to be involved with Ann’s important work.