Helen Fitzgerald grew up in a family of 6 on the edge of her grandparents’ orchard in semi rural Victoria. As with us all, her early years, spent surrounded by extended family, open space and the freedom to play, have underpinned her work with children and families.

She completed her training as an EC teacher in the mid 70’s with the goal of experiencing a range of early childhood programs.

She has
• taught in:
o sessional , mobile and outreach preschools
o long day
• directed in:
o both aboriginal and mainstream long day care services
• Supported Cares in:
o Family day care
• Resourced:
o Commonwealth funded children’s services with inclusion support services (SUPS)
• trained, facilitated, lectured and assessed
o Tertiary EC students

In the last 12 months Helen has moved to a community development role promoting the well-being of families.

She is currently working with indigenous people in communities across the Fitzroy Valley in the Kimberley region of WA. Here she supports the indigenous women in their role as mobile play group facilitators while developing a ‘Bush Turkey Program’ with the aim of strengthening the parent-child relationship.