2023 OUTSTANDING Young Alumnus

BRIGID KELLY (2014)

It is most fitting that in a year where we mark the virtue of justice, the Outstanding Young Alumnus works as a lawyer and advocate in the fields of domestic violence and child protection. Graduating from Loreto in 2014, Brigid Kelly has a keen interest in advocacy and social justice and is passionate about access to justice. While at school, her interest in law commenced with subjects such as Legal Studies, Study of Religion and Modern History. Her interest in Japanese was also sparked at Loreto and she continued her study of Japanese through her double degree. Her teachers described her as thoughtful, determined and focused, and applauded her enthusiastic and hard-working approach. Brigid was an active participant in College life including leadership roles, the music program, sport and musicals.

Upon graduating from Loreto, Brigid completed a dual degree in Law and Arts majoring in Political and International Studies, and Japanese. She also completed a graduate diploma through the College of Law, Australia. Her commitment to justice is evident in the volunteering roles she has held, with the Refugee and Immigration Legal Service, the Bayside Community Legal service, and as a first Contact Officer with Basic Rights, Queensland. She currently volunteers for the LGBTIQ Legal Service in her spare time where she provides legal advice.

Brigid’s passion for advocating for the disadvantaged grew when she worked for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service in Beenleigh. This continued to grow as she worked in regional courts in Mount Isa (Kalkadoon Country) and North Queensland where she has continued to challenge internal policy to ensure the human rights and cultural rights of vulnerable families are maintained. Through the provision of legal advice, she ensures the government’s legal obligations are met, as well as assisting to develop policy that facilitates the rights of future generations of children and meets child protection legislative requirements.

Brigid’s advocacy in the area of child protection led to her current role as a Legal Officer for the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs, protecting children, paving the way for their future, and contributing to policy and change. She provides insight to state-wide teams for decisions by Magistrates in the absence of orders. Her participation in a pilot program has seen a focus on permanency of referral where at-risk Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are placed with kin until they transition to adulthood. This means that children remain connected to their family, community and culture. She is commended by her seniors and peers in regard to the work she undertakes and is trusted to contribute to ongoing policy and reform within the organisation. Brigid is a wonderful example of Mary Ward’s values in ensuring children have safe, permanent placements where they can flourish.