Who’s Who in 2022, Community: Helen Bambling

Helen Bambling, a dedicated volunteer who spends countless hours connecting with at risk and homeless people in the Moreton Bay Region, was recognised for her dedication and commitment to the community by being named Westfield’s Local Hero for the North Lakes area in September 2022.

Helen was one of three finalists from the region, with the winner decided by a public vote.

After all the votes had been tallied, Helen was shocked to find out she had won a $20,000 grant, which allowed the Breakfast Club of Redcliffe to help more people in need.

“It was an honour to be nominated and to represent The Breakfast Club,” Helen told Moreton Daily.

“I have been on such a high – this is something I will never forget.”

About Helen Bambling

Helen Bambling has been helping The Breakfast Club of Redcliffe for about 14 years.

Helen oversees the meals being prepared for hundreds of hungry people who walk through the charity’s doors each week, as well as sorting through the boxes of generous donations.

She is there to lend an ear when someone who has fallen on tough times needs someone to talk to.

Helen also goes out in the van as part of The Breakfast Club’s Outreach Program, where she connects with homeless people on the street and hands out food, toiletries, sleeping supplies and more.

Helen describes her role at The Breakfast Club of Redcliffe has her “dream job”, and she can’t imagine ever doing anything else.

“I love what I do, and I wouldn’t change anything about it,” she said.

“This is my dream job because I love helping people.

“Everyone here at The Breakfast Club is my family.”

From a young age, Helen knew she was destined to help others.

Born with a cleft palate, Helen required multiple surgeries which meant she spent months at a time in hospital away from school.

When her grandmother, whom she lived with, passed away, Helen experienced what it was like to be homeless.

Helen was 32 at the time, and to survive, she was living in granny flats and other people’s garages.

It is these life experiences which help her empathise with people who are reaching out for help.

“I can relate to a lot of the people who visit us because I have been in that situation myself,” Helen explained.

“I make those connections and I try and close those doors for them to help close the gap.”