Helen Kapalos is a strategic communications and public affairs leader with a distinguished career spanning national media, government advisory, and regulated industry sectors.

She is widely recognised as one of Australia’s most respected broadcasters, having held senior roles across national public broadcasters and three major commercial networks.

An award-winning filmmaker, Helen directed A Life of Its Own (2015), a landmark documentary exploring the medicinal cannabis debate in Australia. The film achieved global distribution via Netflix, aired on SBS, and was later acquired by Foxtel’s streaming platform, Binge. It played a pivotal role in broadening public, clinical, and policy awareness of the sector.

Helen has held executive roles within the medicinal cannabis industry, including director of communications and community at Australian Natural Therapeutics Group and an executive position at Cannatrek, where she contributed to stakeholder engagement, government relations, and strengthening institutional credibility within a complex regulatory environment.

She served as Victoria’s commissioner for multicultural affairs and was later appointed inaugural vice-chancellor’s fellow for multicultural engagement at Swinburne University, leading initiatives to elevate diverse voices and create pathways into the screen industry.

Helen has served on several state-appointed boards, including Federation Square and Domestic Violence Victoria, and currently serves on the board of the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, supporting business, trade, and bilateral engagement.

She brings deep expertise in governance, policy, and institutional trust, operating at the intersection of industry, government, and public engagement.