About Helena

I am a First Nations woman who was born in Cairns. I am an artist and teacher with over 30 years' experience in the field. I am a mother of two teenage girls and aunty to many. My father is Croation, and my mother now deceased was Aboriginal, her family descended from Maytown, Hopevale, Daintree and Fraser Island.

I love being on country and going swimming and camping. In Cairns and the surrounding areas are some of the best swimming holes in the world.

I love meeting people and sharing my skills and stories with others and hearing their stories. I also love connecting with country and sharing knowledge, language and life experiences.

There is healing in this space, a chance for each of us to slow down and reflect on what is important. A chance to relax, feel safe, yarn and create and encourage each other to value themselves and be at peace.

Being a teacher

I am a Secondary trained Art teacher who has taught at TAFE, remotely and in flexible learning centres. I am now passing on skills I learnt over my career in specifically tailored workshops. I have taught and delivered workshops in Cairns and Cooktown and communities such as Hopevale, Wujal Wujal, Yarrabah, Mossman, Karumba, Normanton and also worked in the Northern Territory. I find Art a natural way to escape from the pressures of society and provide peace and joy through expression and creating together.

Being a mother

Family is so important to me and becoming a mother my greatest achievement in life. I have two daughters who have taught me so much and made me a better teacher.

Being on country

A favourite past time of mine is going swimming. A place to reset and become grounded, to wash my worries away and remember what's important. A chance to revitalize and spend time with family, doing what I love best.

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