Dr Helen Sheil

Helen is a community development practitioner, researcher, educator, essayist, poet and activist. She has worked within communities, TAFE and Universities at undergraduate and post-graduate level, in local government and organisations in urban and rural communities. Most recently for local government with communities in recovery after the 2019 – 2020 bushfires in East Gippsland.

Her interest in skills, knowledge and resources relevant to community engagement began in Kensington working for Save the Children fund as After School Care Co-ordinator. A challenging time working with community members to set up the Kensington Women’s and Childcare Co-operative to purchase a ‘home’ while going about the daily business of after school care without premises.

Helen co-ordinated the Nunawading Adventure Playground, Elley Park Community Centre in Blackburn, then as Orbost, Outreach Worker for East Gippsland Community College of TAFE she was active in establishing the first East Gippsland Neighbourhood House.

Her research includes Social Researcher of Co-ordinated Care in South Gippsland, Hard to Reach communities in Moreland and More than one way, A report on the Rural Women’s Network, prior to her research on the Rural Women’s Program in Gippsland.

The rural women’s program research informed the post-graduate course for community engagement facilitators, accredited by Monash University (2000-2007). The intersectoral approach that integrated theory, practice and reflection led to new partnerships.

Returning to East Gippsland, Helen and her partner bought a quirky caravan park. Concern for the Lake Tyers catchment led to hosting Stories of Influence (2014 – 2023). https://ruralcommunities.com.au/stories

A founding member of Centre for Rural Communities, a collaborating member of the Victorian Universities Regional Research Network, and regional contributor and referee for New Community Journal. Helen is an active presenter at regional, national and international conferences.

Publications include journal articles, book chapters, reflective essays and a professional development manual, and study circle kits on rural futures and preparation, management and recovery from disasters. https://ruralcommunities.com.au/publications