Kellie grew up in Ballarat, later working as a journalist there in newspapers and television before her career moved on to Melbourne, Dublin and Perth.

Moving to Broome with her husband and young family in 2007, she transitioned into a communications role for the Kimberley oil and gas industry – but quickly realised her values and interests were more aligned with the local communities she liaised with. This led to media advisory roles with several Aboriginal corporations and a steep learning trajectory around the two complex worlds indigenous Australians walk in.

In 2012 the family fulfilled a long-held dream to settle in Margaret River – a second home for her husband Ben since childhood. After a challenging four years working out of Margs for a remote Kimberley community, Kellie started her own small local tourism business. Combining her passion for people, travel, history, food and wine in a gourmet walking tour, Walk Talk Taste Margaret River has enabled her to share the stories of our region with thousands of visitors and locals alike.
Meeting and interviewing victims of crime and circumstance throughout her career – along with her own mental health experiences – has fuelled Kellie’s strong desire to help communities and individuals talk more openly and shamelessly about the critical support that we all need at some point.

Now 53, Kellie, is happily settled on a few productive acres south of town with Ben and their three children – aged 11, 17 and 19.

As a new Mindful Margaret River board member, she hopes to help raise awareness of the incredible grassroots work the organisation has been doing quietly since 2020, and how it can sustainably support the people of Margaret River – for as long as it’s needed.