Helena King

Helena's research has significantly contributed to improving health equity and service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her work as a Research Coordinator in the Darling Downs region led to the development of open-access Point of Care Wound Management Training Modules for Aboriginal Health Workers, funded by an Australian Government “Closing the Gap” grant. These modules have enhanced clinical education and accessibility for frontline health workers in remote settings.

Another impactful outcome was the establishment of a permanent Indigenous Liaison Officer role in the Toowoomba Base Emergency Department, following a comparative review of Indigenous and non-Indigenous ED utilisation. This research, funded by the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation and Pure Land Learning College, directly influenced policy and staffing decisions to improve culturally safe care.

Helena also led the development of a First Nations rural, regional, and remote advocacy panel through a Darling Downs Health Research and Innvoation in Health grant, strengthening community-led health research and representation. Her contributions to the national accreditation of the Cunningham Centre Immunisation Course and leadership in Queensland Health’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout further demonstrate her influence on public health systems and workforce development.

Helena’s research has produced measurable improvements in clinical practice, health service equity, and culturally responsive care.