Narrating Change: The Life and Career of Helen Kapalos
On September 12, the University of Newcastle’s Great Hall will echo with the well-known voice of Helen Kapalos, a distinguished alumna who completed her Bachelor of Arts in 1994. Helen, a celebrated broadcaster, filmmaker, and advocate, will be returning to her alma mater to MC the 49th Alumni Excellence Awards, bringing her journey full circle to the place where it all began.
Growing up in Newcastle, Helen felt she was part of a best-kept secret. Newcastle’s close-knit community, the way people cared for one another, and the deep sense of belonging shaped her identity. The bonds she formed were cemented by experiences like the Newcastle earthquake, where she saw the community's remarkable resilience and solidarity firsthand.
"As I travelled, I realised how incredibly special the community I was part of for so long is, and how much people cared for one another and how inextricably linked we all are. I was always proud of telling people I was from Newcastle."
Helen’s time at the University of Newcastle was marked by deep learning and personal growth. Stepping onto Callaghan campus, she was struck by the depth of knowledge and the calibre of academics.
"I have such fond memories of the University of Newcastle. I loved the library spaces and drama department, social campus, and connection to nature. It was a campus that brought together many walks of life and where long and enduring friendships were formed."
But this time of her life wasn’t without its challenges. During her studies, Helen faced the heart-wrenching loss of her mother to a terminal illness. This period tested her resilience, but with the empathetic support of a dedicated lecturer , she found strength and solace in her studies. Helen honed her determination which guided her toward a career in journalism, where she could channel her passion for storytelling and research.
Helen’s illustrious broadcasting career began soon after graduation. Her early days at SBS Television's Documentary Unit paved the way for roles at NBN Television, Nine News, Network Ten, and the Seven Network. Each position brought new opportunities and challenges, but Helen remained grounded in the principles of thorough research and objective storytelling.
Helen watched the dawn of social media and the rise of infotainment reshape the industry but cherished her training as a ‘pounding the pavement’ journalist. Her desk at Channel Nine, next to the legendary Peter Harvey, became an invaluable classroom. Learning from icons like Jana Wendt and Ken Sutcliffe, Helen honed her craft, producing stories that informed and inspired.
One of the most poignant moments in her career was covering the Christchurch earthquake in 2011. Amid the devastation, Helen witnessed extraordinary acts of kindness and humanity.
“Strangers were housing the lost and homeless, and helping people they had never met search for their relatives. These stories often altered the fabric of the community permanently. I felt extremely lucky to be part of that and entrusted to tell people’s stories.”
Helen’s storytelling prowess later extended beyond the newsroom and into filmmaking. Her first documentary, on the closure of the BHP Steelworks in Newcastle, marked the beginning of a new chapter. With a treasure trove of old film discovered in the Steelworks' offices, Helen painstakingly converted it to digital footage, creating a documentary that was eventually sold to Sky. This early success fuelled her passion for documentary filmmaking.
Her most acclaimed work, 'A Life of Its Own’, explored the medicinal cannabis debate and gained international recognition, eventually being picked up by Netflix. The film’s success was a testament to Helen’s belief in the power of independent storytelling and advocacy.
Helen reflects on what inspired her to create this documentary:
“I was working on a story for the Sunday Night program about a young man taking medicinal cannabis to help ameliorate his symptoms from chemotherapy. He was only 24 years old, and a country kid from Tamworth, NSW. As the story aired, more and more people came forward to tell of similar plights, particularly mums and dads sourcing it for their young children, for conditions like intractable epilepsy. I had never heard of this before and as I went deeper, I realised there was a much bigger story to be told.”
During her tenure as Chairperson at the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Helen spearheaded initiatives that celebrated and promoted cultural diversity. She launched a funded journalism internship program with the ABC for multicultural youth, founded the Multicultural Film Festival to support filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, authored ‘Proud to Belong', a book highlighting contemporary multicultural stories, and established an employment program for Assyrian refugees in collaboration with Regional Development Victoria.
As Senior Communications Advisor at Life Without Barriers, Helen led campaigns to support foster carers and champion reconciliation through local employment programs. Her dedication to social policy and advocacy ensured that underrepresented voices were heard and valued.
Helen’s story, starting as a young girl in Newcastle to becoming a celebrated figure in media and advocacy, is a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and passion.
Join Helen on September 12 at the 49th Annual Alumni Excellence Awards.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.