Many of us could not even begin to perceive the pain of turning off a child's life support. In July 2012, this nightmare became a reality for Kathy and her husband Ralph when their 18-year-old son, Thomas Kelly became a victim of an indiscriminate attack by a drunken teenager in Sydney's Kings Cross resulting in Thomas's death.
Looking tragedy straight in the eye, Kathy was forced to digest news from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that their family would be lucky to see their son's killer brought to justice. It was in this defining moment; Kathy drew on a reservoir of bravery that before this time she didn't know existed. Beauty is found in the brave, and Kathy knew that she had a fight on her hands. It was her duty to honour the life of Thomas, and her right to break down the walls of injustice, ensuring our streets were a safe place for all Australians.
In September 2013, Kathy and Ralph Kelly formed the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation. The intention of the Foundation is to reduce alcohol and drug-related violence and anti-social behaviour amongst young people in Australia by raising community awareness and influencing government regulation and industry practice.
This formidable movement started with the amendment of sentencing laws through lobbying the NSW State Premier and Attorney General. Other game changes include installing (in conjunction with the City of Sydney) 11 CCTV Cameras across the Sydney CBD, and most notably advocacy of the controversial lockout laws implemented from February 2014.
Overall the Foundation has had a range of big wins in such a short time. None of these wins will ever bring back the life of Thomas, and it is Kathy's sheer bravery that has been the backbone for the social change the foundation has achieved.
In this presentation, Kathy recounts a powerful and brave journey of grief, depression and the courage it takes to transform deep pain into a powerful journey of purpose. She is an inspiring example of a woman who has overcome adversity and transformed crisis into an opportunity that has revolutionized Australian constitution, and highlighted the adverse impact of Alcohol abuse in our communities.
As a speaker, she is authentic, charismatic and delivers an emotionally charged keynote with grace and ease. Her story is raw and real, yet her message full of useful tools to deal with adversity and develop resilience. She has found beauty in the brave and is a shining example of an Australian woman who has used a devastating crisis, to become one of the most impactful change agents of our time.
