Draft:Helen Zahos

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Helen Zahos
Born (1977-04-14) 14 April 1977 (age 48)
Darwin NT (raised Groote Eylandt)
CitizenshipAustralian, Greek
EducationNorthern Territory University, Griffith University, Monash University
Occupation(s)Registered Nurse, Humanitarian
Websitehttps://helenzahos.com/

Helen Zahos (Greek: Ελένη Ζάχου) is a Greek Australian humanitarian nurse, paramedic, academic and expert consultant. She is recognised for her extensive work in disaster zones, conflict areas and refugee crisis worldwide. Her career has involved delivering emergency health services and advocating for the psychosocial wellbeing of emergency response teams, mental health integration in disaster response, and health equity.

Early life and education

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Helen Zahos was born in Darwin, Northern Territory and raised on Groote Eylandt, a remote island in the Gulf of Carpentaria. [1] She pursued her nursing and paramedic studies in Darwin. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-Registration) from Charles Darin University (1996-1999) and a Certificate in Ambulance Studies from St. John Ambulance N.T Training College (1998-1999). She also obtained a Diploma of Health Science (Ambulance pre-hospital) from St. John Ambulance N.T Training College (1999-2002).

She completed a Masters of Nursing (Emergency) at Griffith University Gold Coast from 2010-2013 and also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Health Research from Griffith University (2020-2021). She is currently undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC). Her PhD research focuses on the psychosocial needs of Disaster Medical Assistance Teams post-deployment. [2]

Career

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Zahos has worked as a Registered Nurse and Paramedic for over 25 years. Her work has included roles in emergency departments, rural and remote areas and humanitarian and disaster responses. [3] She spent the first 10 years of her career at Royal Darwin Hospital, working as both a paramedic with St John Ambulance and then as an emergency nurse. She has worked in emergency departments in tertiary hospitals, including Gold Coast University Hospital. She has also worked as a Critical Care Nurse in Intensive Care Units during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Her remote area nursing experience includes working in East Arnhem Land and Central Australia where she worked in the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY lands) providing primary health care for three years (2006-2009). [4] During her time in remote communities, she led culturally safe health programs and advocated for health equity and education access in international health forums.

Zahos spent approximately 10 years from 1999 to 2006 volunteering for St. John Ambulance in the Northern Territory, including servicing Darwin and surrounding areas. Zahos has also worked as an Academic and Researcher. She has been a Nursing and Paramedic Clinical Tutor at Griffith University and the University of Queensland.

Humanitarian and Disaster Response

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Zahos is a humanitarian nurse and paramedic who has volunteered in disaster areas around the world. Her volunteer and contract roles have included deployments to war zones, natural disasters, and refugee crises since 2009.

Notable missions

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Bali Bombings, Indonesia (2002)

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She was involved with the Royal Darwin Hospital response to the 2002 Bali Bombings terrorist attacks. [5]

Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines (2013)

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She assisted in the aftermath, deployed with a Disaster Medical Team from Darwin as part of the international response. [6]

Nepal Earthquake (2015)

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She volunteered for three weeks with the NGO Non-Resident Nepalese Association. Despite a second earthquake hitting while she was on the mountain, she continued to assist the Nepalese army and fellow medical team members. She was involved in trekking to a remote village to treat patients and bring a child down to a field clinic for treatment.

European Migrant Crisis (2015-2016)

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She volunteered on the Greek island of Lesvos during the Syrian refugee crisis. [7] She assisted with a mass casualty incident where a boat accident resulted in drownings, and spent days helping parents identify deceased children in the morgue. [8] She also volunteered in Idomeni at the border of Greece. During this time, she facilitated a project where Australian students wrote letters to refugee schoolchildren. Zahos also fundraised to purchase medical equipment such as wheelchairs, medication, and crutches for local communities where she volunteered. She also organised for defibrillators and emergency response bags donated by Ambulance Victoria to be shipped to Greece distributing them to the local hospital on Lesvos, the Medecine du Monde clinic, and hospitals and search and rescue groups on the mainland. [9]

Mosul Offensive, Iraq (2017)

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She volunteered at Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps near Mosul for two weeks, providing primary healthcare and assisting a 10-year-old burns victim who was transferred out of Iraq for specialised treatment. [10] [11] [12]

Ukraine Conflict (2022)

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She has been involved in providing medical aid and humanitarian support, volunteering as an expert consultant working alongside the Ukraine government disaster coordinators. [13] [14] [15]

Kenya (2020, 2023)

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As an Ambassador for World Youth International, she spent five weeks volunteering in Kenya in 2020 and served as Team Leader Humanitarian Nurse from October to December 2023. She focused on community health initiatives, education, and capacity-building programs. [16] [17]

Professional roles and affiliations

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Zahos is listed as a specialist consultant with Dart Centre Asia Pacific / Global Center for Journalism & Trauma, where she contributes to workshops and resources on trauma-aware reporting and humanitarian storytelling. [18] She has served in advisory roles relating to health and disaster risk reduction with international and Commonwealth networks. [19]

She has been associated with the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (CBWN) in an advisory capacity and has been described in interviews as a national focal point for the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR); these affiliations are documented in profiles and interviews. [20][21][22]

Advocacy and Public Speaking

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Zahos is a passionate advocate for humanitarian causes. She frequently speaks at conferences, universities, and public events, sharing her experiences and raising awareness about the challenges faced by displaced and vulnerable populations. She emphasises the importance of global solidarity and the role of healthcare professionals in crisis response. [23] She has also been a keynote speaker and guest speaker at various events. [24] [25]

She has represented Australia on global platforms and served in leadership roles within Commonwealth and UN-linked organisations. These include speaking at the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 63) in New York, the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction Global Platform in Geneva, the UNSDG Health Summit in Geneva a side event to the World Health Assembly in Geneva. She also spoke at the Commonwealth Business Forum Roundtable and Women's Affairs Roundtable on gender based violence during CHOGM 2024 in Samoa. [26]

She has also been invited to speak at TedX (Robina Queensland) covering her experiences at as a Humanitarian Nurse. [27]

Media coverage

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Zahos has received extensive media coverage for her humanitarian work and experiences. She is described as a sought-after expert, regularly interviewed in the media. Media outlets that have featured her work include ABC News, SBS Insight [28] [8] TEDx [27], Daily Telegraph, Greek City Times, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Neos Kosmos, NT News, Brisbane Times [29], Canberra Times, The Nurse Break and World Youth International.

Zahos has also appeared as a guest on various podcasts. [30] [31] [32] and radio programs including SBS Radio, ABC Radio, 4EB Greek Radio Brisbane, and 3XY Radio Melbourne. [33]

Research and Publications

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Zahos is undertaking a PhD at Monash University Accident Research Centre researching the psychosocial health and operational wellbeing of Australian disaster teams. Her research topic is the Psychosocial needs of Disaster Medical Assistance Teams post-deployment. [34]

She has authored and co-authored publications in academic journals:

  • Zahos, H. (2016). Humanitarian crisis a roller coaster ride for an Australian nurse. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal, 23(8), 16-18. [35]
  • Zahos, H. (2017). Iraq March 2017. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal. [36]
  • Zahos, H. (2019) Nursing at the Borders in Greece: An Account of an Australian-Greek Nurse Overcoming Barriers in a Refugee Crisis to Provide Nursing Care [37]
  • Zahos, H et al (2021). Ivermectin single dose versus Benzyl benzoate two application for scabies mass treatment in UNHCR refugee camp of Lesvos island. A retrospective cohort study. Lek Obz. 70(12): 469-473. [38]
  • Zahos, H. (2022). Working in the danger zone. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal, 27(9), 14-18. [39]
  • Zahos, H et al. (2022) Lessons to learn from the analysis of routine health data from Moria refugee camp on Lesvos, Greece. Journal of public health. [40]
  • Zahos, H., et al. (2023). Seasonal patterns of communicable disease incidence, and antibiotic prescribing in Moria refugee camp, Greece. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. [41]
  • Zahos, H., Crilly, J., & Ranse, J. (2022). Psychosocial problems and support for disaster medical assistance team members in the preparedness, response and recovery phases of natural hazards resulting in disasters: A scoping review. Australasian emergency care. [42]
  • Zahos, H. (2023). Greek War of Independence versus the History Wars of Australia: Why Greeks commemorate but Indigenous Australians are made to forget? Perspectives on the Hellenic Diaspora, Volume 3 [43]

Awards and recognition

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Helen Zahos has received numerous accolades for her humanitarian work and community service.

  • Hellenic Australian Chamber Commerce and Industry (HACCI) award for Community Service (2016) [44]
  • Finalist for volunteer of the year QLD (2019) [45]
  • Royal Society of the Arts Catalyst Award (2021) [46] [47]
  • Frontline Medical Hero of the year (2021 Gold Stevie Award) [48]
  • Mentor and Coach (Not For Profit) (2021 Gold Stevie Award) [48]
  • QBANK award for Excellence (2023) [49]
  • Woman of the Year Heart of Women Awards (2023) [50]
  • Alumni Award for Community Service - Charles Darwin University (2025) [51] [52]

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

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  • Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (FRSA)
  • Member World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine
  • Member Professional Association of Nurses in Developmental Disability
  • Member Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation
  • President Australian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Gold Coast Chapter (2016 - 2019)
  • Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Member (2016 - Current)
  • Executive Board of Trustees Kitrinos Hellas Healthcare (2017 - 2022)
  • Member Katerini Cancer Care Volunteer Group, Greece (2017 – Current)
  • Member Volunteer Rescue team of Pierius, Greece (2017 – Current)
  • Advisor - Health and Disaster Risk Reduction Commonwealth Business Women's Network (CBWN) (2019 - current)
  • Ambassador World Youth International (2020 - 2023) [53]
  • National Focal Point Australia Global Network of Civil Society for Disaster Reduction (GNDR) (2020 - current)
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References

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  1. ^ "Disaster zone nurse Helen thought she was poor until a school social experiment revealed she was 'well off'". ABC News. 2024-08-14. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  2. ^ "Helen Zahos". Accident Research Centre. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  3. ^ "'Boy was running around screaming at the top of lungs'". Courier Mail.
  4. ^ "'Over my career, threatening situations have become normalised'". SBS News. 2018-08-22. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  5. ^ "'It felt like being in a war zone': Nurse looks back 20 years after bombings". NT News.
  6. ^ "She's seen Syria but this is worse". Archived from the original on 2018-03-02. Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  7. ^ Bochenski, Natalie (2015-09-06). "Qld emergency nurse heading to Greece to help refugees". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  8. ^ a b "'Over my career, threatening situations have become normalised'". SBS News. 2018-08-22. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  9. ^ Victoria, Ambulance (2016-04-18). "Lesvos Island medical staff to receive emergency equipment from Ambulance Victoria - Ambulance Victoria". Ambulance Victoria. Archived from the original on 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  10. ^ "She's seen Syria but this is worse". Archived from the original on 2018-03-02. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  11. ^ "Tireless nurse and paramedic Helen Zahos volunteers again, now in Iraq". NEOS KOSMOS. 2017-05-05. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  12. ^ Al Jazeera English (2017-05-13). Family of 10-year-old Iraqi burn victim appeals for help. Retrieved 2025-10-25 – via YouTube.
  13. ^ "Australian nurse discusses her humanitarian mission to Ukraine's frontlines". Global Voices. 2022-08-05. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  14. ^ "ANMJ October – December 2022". Issuu. 2022-09-19. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  15. ^ "Nurse's nerves of steel: to Ukraine and back again". Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  16. ^ Mamouzelos, Gina (2020-02-07). "Greek Australian nurse Helen Zahos, volunteering in Kenya to help women and kids in need Greek City Times". Greek City Times. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  17. ^ "Spotlight on Humanitarian Nurse Helen Zahos!". worldyouth.org.au. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  18. ^ "Helen Zahos". Global Center for Journalism & Trauma. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  19. ^ "Spotlight on Humanitarian Nurse Helen Zahos". World Youth International. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  20. ^ "16 Questions with Humanitarian Nurse Helen Zahos". TheNurseBreak. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  21. ^ {{cite web |title=Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (CBWN) |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/organisations/commonwealth-businesswomens-network |website=The Commonwealth |access-date=10 October 2025}}
  22. ^ "GNDR - Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction". GNDR. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  23. ^ Kapetopoulos, Kirie Kappas and Fotis (2024-11-27). "Helen Zahos: From war zones to advocacy and a few mountain peaks". NEOS KOSMOS. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  24. ^ "Proud to Support CRANA 2021 Virtual Symposium". cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment. Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  25. ^ "AQNML | Assoc. of Queensland Nursing & Midwifer Leaders | C". AQNML. Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  26. ^ Kapetopoulos, Kirie Kappas and Fotis (2024-11-27). "Helen Zahos: From war zones to advocacy and a few mountain peaks". NEOS KOSMOS. Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  27. ^ a b c TEDx Talks (2018-12-07). Creating Change Through Volunteering: Lessons from a Humanitarian Nurse | Helen Zahos | TEDxRobina. Retrieved 2025-10-25 – via YouTube.
  28. ^ "Watch Nerves Of Steel: Insight". www.sbs.com.au. Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  29. ^ Bochenski, Natalie (2015-09-06). "Qld emergency nurse heading to Greece to help refugees". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  30. ^ "#1143 In Harms Way - Helen Zahos". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  31. ^ "Helen Zahos – humanitarian nurse in Ukraine, Iraq, and Greece". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  32. ^ "Love, War & Saving Ukraine | Helen Zahos - 471". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  33. ^ "Ethical humanitarian storytelling in conflicts: Greek-Australian Helen Zahos talks about trauma". SBS Language. Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  34. ^ "Helen Zahos". Accident Research Centre. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  35. ^ Zahos, Helen (2020-08-20). "Humanitarian crisis a roller coaster ride for an Australian nurse". Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal. 23 (8): 16–18.
  36. ^ Zahos, Helen (2020-08-20). "Iraq March 2017". Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal. 25 (1): 24.
  37. ^ "Border Crossing Narratives: Learning from the Refugee Experience" (PDF).
  38. ^ "Lekársky obzor - HERBA - Ivermectin single dose versus Benzyl benzoate two application for scabies mass treatment in UNHCR refugee camp of Lesvos island. A retrospective cohort study". www.lekarskyobzor.sk. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  39. ^ "Australian Midwife Journal" (PDF). anmj.org.au.
  40. ^ "Google Scholar". scholar.google.com. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  41. ^ Simonek, Tomas; Zahos, Helen; Mahroof-Shaffi, Siyana; Harkensee, Christian (2024-02-23). "Seasonal patterns of communicable disease incidence and antibiotic prescribing in Moria refugee camp, Greece". Journal of Public Health (Oxford, England). 46 (1): 41–50. doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdad212. ISSN 1741-3850. PMID 37968097.
  42. ^ "Google Scholar". scholar.google.com. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  43. ^ "PERSPECTIVES ON THE HELLENIC DIASPORA VOL 3" (PDF).
  44. ^ Team, G. C. T. (2016-11-21). "Honouring excellence within Australia's Hellenic community Greek City Times". Greek City Times. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  45. ^ "Queensland Volunteering Awards 2019 – Volunteering Queensland". Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  46. ^ "A CATALYST FOR CHANGE" (PDF).
  47. ^ Fallon, Katy (2020-03-18). "The Greek refugees battling to prevent Covid-19 with handmade face masks". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  48. ^ a b "Registered Nurse Helen Zahos recognised for her humanitarian efforts through the Nurses In Action program". worldyouth.org.au. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  49. ^ Thomaidou, Zoe (2023-11-02). "Helen Zahos, the compassionate Gold Coast nurse, is recognised with 'Everyday Heroes' award". NEOS KOSMOS. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  50. ^ "2023 Heart of Women's Awards: Woman of the Year - Helen Zahos".
  51. ^ writers, Staff (2025-10-28). "Darwin's Helen Zahos honoured for Global Humanitarian Service at Charles Darwin University Awards". NEOS KOSMOS. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
  52. ^ Herald, The Greek (2025-10-29). "Greek Australian nurse Helen Zahos recognised for 25 years of humanitarian work". The Greek Herald. Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  53. ^ "Introducing our Nurses in Action Ambassador, Helen Zahos". worldyouth.org.au. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  54. ^ Al Jazeera English (2017-05-13). Family of 10-year-old Iraqi burn victim appeals for help. Retrieved 2025-10-25 – via YouTube.
  55. ^ "Acknowledging Search and Rescue Groups appreciation for equipment". Facebook.
  56. ^ "Indigenous people in Australia prepare for COVID-19". Global Voices. 2020-04-17. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
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  58. ^ "RSA Journal mentioning Catalyst Award" (PDF).
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