About Helen

Helen Abrahams

Cr Helen Abrahams has been the Brisbane City Councillor for Dutton Park ward since 2003, and is currently the Chair of Council's Environment and Sustainability Committee.  

She is proud to represent the diverse and dynamic inner city communities that are part of Dutton Park ward, and is keen to help residents get involved in local government. 

Qualifications and background

Helen graduated as a medical practitioner from the University of Queensland and achieved specialist qualifications in Occupational Medicine.  She worked in women’s health in South Australia and New South Wales for ten years, before returning to Brisbane and working at the Workers Health Centre. 

Helen was Alderman for Paddington Ward from 1991 to 1994. Committed to local government, she worked as a political adviser in land use planning before becoming a middle manager in Brisbane City Council.  During this time, Helen headed up the Sustainability unit and the Sustainable Transport unit, and obtained a Graduate Diploma in Regional and Urban Planning.

In May 2003, Helen became the Councillor for Dutton Park Ward when Councillor Tim Quinn became Lord Mayor. 

Committee membership and interests

Helen is currently the Chairperson of Council's Environment and Sustainability Committee, which develops policy for the city's parks, waterways and natural areas, as well as waste and water management, air quality, energy use, and bicycle and pedestrian needs.

A comprehensive approach to sustainability links all these policy areas.

Helen believes that 'the personal is political', commutes by bike whenever possible, and has adapted her inner city home with sustainability features including a rainwater tank and permaculture garden.