Our Elder and Cultural Lead, Aunty Helen Bnads wasn’t sure what to think when she received a call advising her she was going to be awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
“When I first got the call, I thought it was a scam!” she laughs.
“But since them I am feeling reflective, going back into my personal and professional life and feeling appreciative of all the people who’ve helped me along the way.”
Born in Brisbane, belonging to the Birri Gubba people and the Bindal group of Far North Queensland, with close ties to Cherbourgh Mission, Aunty Helen credits the beginning of her professional career to the Catholic nuns who educated her. They encouraged her to train as a nurse, and helped convince her parents to allow her to move to NSW.
Aunty Helen has now been living in the Kulin nation for 55 years, and is grateful to the local community who have welcomed her.
“I’m out of (my) country and it’s this community who have supported me and acknowledged my work,” she says.
After twenty years as a nurse, and raising children at home, Aunty Helen decided to further her education, achieving a Bachelor of Arts Degree – Double Degree in History (Australian, Chinese and Japanese) and Human Geography through the MOSA program (Monash Scheme for Aborigines) at Monash University.
She has worked across Government, Health and Education, contributed to many Boards and advisory committees, as well as working as a Koori Court Elder/Respected Person at the Magistrates Court in Dandenong, providing senior pastoral care to the community, and establishing the Interfaith Centre Melbourne.
“That’s what’s keeping me going, making a difference,” says Aunty Helen. “Through all the chances I’ve had, it’s the need to always give back, and thankfully being able to do that.”
Aunty Helen has been with Bayside Health Peninsula Care Group (formerly Bayside Health Peninsula) since 2013, originally in the role of Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer. She held several positions before being appointed as Elder/Cultural Lead in 2019.
“I love having a role where I am not stuck in my office, I’m out in the community and in the gathering places,” she says.
Aunty Helen will be presented with her OAM medal at an investiture ceremony later this year.
