Kara Lilly

Dr. Kara Lilly is a Lecturer in Public Health at the School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC). She holds a PhD from Curtin University, a GradDip in Health Promotion, and a BScApp(HMS). Her academic role emphasizes educating graduates to address population health challenges through adaptive professional practices. Her research applies systems theories and policy sciences to analyze complex governance systems in local government contexts, focusing on Health in All Policies approaches and pragmatic policy solutions.

• Education:
• PhD (Curtin University)
• GradDip Health Promotion (Qld.UT)
• BScApp(HMS) (Qld.UT)
• Professional Memberships: Australian Health Promotion Association, Health Promotion Teaching and Learning Community of Practice.

Her research explores decision-making processes in local governments, emphasizing health equity and social justice. She has led initiatives like the Moreton Bay North State of Children’s report and evaluated school-based playgroups for Queensland’s Department of Education. She serves on committees like Thriving Queensland Kids Collaborative and Moreton Bay Region Collective Impact Advisory.

Teaching includes public health fundamentals, advanced health promotion, and work-integrated learning coordination. She led the Bachelor of Health Science program as Program Coordinator and developed core public health curriculum.