Madeleine Kelly

Madeleine Kelly attended St Aloysius College from 2007-2011. During her time at SAC, her passion for social justice was evident. She took part in the 2009 Argentina Mission and in 2010 was a member of the Pipalyatjara trip. She was also involved in debating, public speaking and school productions.

While studying for her Bachelor degree in English/Anthropology/History at Adelaide University, Maddie was the Social Justice Coordinator at SAC from 2014 to 2017. In 2016 she presented a TEDx Talk titled ‘Kintsukuroi: finding beauty in a broken world‘.

In 2017, Maddie’s passion for social justice took her to The School of St Jude in Tanzania, where she worked as the Communications and Editorial Specialist as well as managing the growing Alumni department. St Jude’s offers a free, high-quality education for students who, due to poverty and their social circumstances, would otherwise not be able to complete their schooling. In 2018, she was joined by another SAC graduate, Eithne Johnston (Class of 2009).

In 2022, Maddie returned to SAC as Communications Officer and JAM Coordinator. In 2023 she published a book ‘The school that hope built’, which follows the journey of Australian woman, Gemma Sisia, the founder of the The School of St Jude’ in Tanzania.

Maddie is carrying on the Mercy values instilled in her at St Aloysius College and is making a difference to the lives of others.

Madeleine Kelly
Madeleine Kelly in Tanzania (photograph used with permission)
Madeleine Kelly
Madeleine Kelly in Tanzania (photograph used with permission)
Awards

2007 – National Finalist – Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award

2008-2010 – Debater of the Year

2009 – National Runner Up – Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award

2010 – SAC Social Justice Leader

2010 – Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award recipient for her outstanding contribution to promoting social justice both within the SAC community and in wider society

2011 – Catherine McAuley Award recipient


Reference

About St Jude’s 2021The School of St Jude, viewed 23 May 2021, <https://www.schoolofstjude.org/>.