About

Colleen Kelly holding a bouquet and commemorative plaque in a horse arena, recognized for her contributions to biomechanics training for the London Metropolitan Police.

Colleen B. Kelly is a prominent Adjunct Professor, keynote speaker, researcher, lecturer, and advocate for employee rights and individuals with disabilities. Her diverse career highlights significant contributions to sports biomechanics, disability advocacy, and social justice, reflecting her dedication to equitable labor practices and community development. Her pioneering research: “The Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste Transnational Seasonal Employment Study“ of the many worker programs that cover the Pacific and Timor-Leste, such as the Australia Labor Mobility (PALM) Program, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in the USA, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in Canada, the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) in Canada, and the Seasonal Workers Directive and the Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Directive in the European Union and similar seasonal and temporary worker programs that operate specifically in the Pacific and Timor Leste. This research initiative is recognised as the largest data-driven initiative of its kind in the Pacific region and Timor-Leste.

Early Life:

Grand-daughter of timber mill owner, and well known Binnaway, NSW, Australia horse breaker “old school” Man-From-Snowy-River-Style Horse Breaker and Problem Re-trainer Alan Manuel and Bertha Mary Manuel. Colleen’s mother, Gwen Kelly taught her to train trick dogs and cats from probably the age of 3 or 4 in between her mother’s “real” job firstly as a book-keeper and auditor, and later President of the Gold Coast’s prestigious Accommodation Owner’s Association

Colleen’s father, Francis (Frank) Kelly, and his brother, Colleen’s uncle Peter Kelly built the beautiful Thendara Equestrian Academy in Mount Nathan over several decades as a “fun side interest” (until the horse world took over!).

Early Career

Colleen’s professional journey started before she left high school, where she gained invaluable experience working with the esteemed Dr. Fabian Fay on weekends and school holidays. While her first secretarial job in the Gold Coast law firm Short Punch & Greatorix in the 1970’s got her career started, Colleen’s passion was always sports and she studied and trained what was called in those days “human movements”, now “sports biomechanics” on weekends, even after hours driving up from the Gold Coast to Trisports Gymnasium in Carindale. At the time. Trisports was the leading specialist sports rehabilitation gymnasium open to the public. While there were a considerable amount of cardiac rehabilitation clients, it catered for all levels of sports, had high tower diving in the Olympic pool. This was the originall training gymnasium of the Souths Rugby League team.

Colleen later worked at the only dedicated pre and post surgery hospital physiotherapy rehabilitation gymnasium on the Gold Coast at the time the at Pindara Hospital which later closed and moved their dedicated physio rehab to Southport Rehabilitation Gymnasium.

Creating Olympic & Paralympic Champions as a “weekend job”

Colleen always had THREE careers going at once!

  1. As the research report manager for the University of NSW (CCLRU), then Manager of one of the Computer Staff Branches of Adecco, then finally manager of the computer help desk emergency communications for NSW, Colleen was voted, by staff state-wide, as Spokeswoman for the WorkCover Authority of NSW.
  2. On weekends, Colleen was either playing polocrosse (in the early days) or endurance riding, then later hacking (a particularly Australian sport now called “Show Horse“), judging at Sydney Royal Show, then changing to dressage, and finally starting Vaulting Victoria in her own back yard, and elected as the state representative to the EFA National Vaulting Council. All while building not one but two riding centres from scratch – one in Mt Nathan, the other Black Pearl Farm, Paris, Kentucky.
  3. However, her “third” career – all at the same time – was lecturing at universities and the world’s most prestigious events (such as the World Equestrian Games) on sports biomechanics and human movement.

The Fire Brigade – A “happy accident”

Colleen’s father helped her turn 80 acres of rough uncleared land on both sides of Clagiraba Road, Mount Nathan with no power or water into a beautiful riding and training center Thendara Equestrian Academy back in the 1970’s, after a horrendous fire burned probably thousands of acres all the way from Mt Witheren to Beechmont. Her father helped start the Clagiraba Rural Fire Brigade, right there on their farm. Colleen’s father would train volunteers how to use our one and only chain saw, how to drive our beaten up old tractor and how to use the gib and winches and heavy equipment. That’s all the equipment they had.

It still is a hilarious story how the Clagiraba Fire Brigade raised their very first money. My mother noticed that someone had fenced in Clagiraba park (which adjoined our property) with barbed wire fencing and had cattle grazing on the park. However, it was a park – it wasn’t privately owned. One night about 30 cattle broke onto our property, and were happily grazing with our horses in the morning. When my father reported the cattle had been found to the Albert Shire Council, they said they belonged to Councillor Kleinschmidt and that he had a “lease” to allow cattle in the park. Of course it was a big scandal in the day. And, of course the Councillor was furious to have been caught when the Gold Coast Bulletin dug further to find the cattle were on the park illegally, and a fine was issued for their removal, and also for the cutting down of the fence. However…Colleen’s father was also paid for keeping the cattle for several weeks until the Councillor found a home. Descended from the “cheeky Irish” – her father couldn’t help himself – when the cheque arrived, he rang Councillor Kleinschmidt to thank him (and rub it in!)…and to say that he was using the money for a big bbq as the very first offficial BBQ for the Fire Brigade and did he want to come. He respectfully declined, LOL.

The long and happy relationship with the Fire Brigade gave Colleen her first research opportunity – to look at heavy lifting, balance and biomechanics – the very research that led – decades later to her being awarded a commemorative plaque by the London Metropolitan Police (the mounted riot police, guards to the (then Queen) famous King’s Guards).

Colleen was quoted at saying at the World Equestrian Games as “It took me forever to figure out how to stay on…just stay on…nothing fancy, just don’t die this afternoon”.

At weekends, while maintaining such a high public facing role as the Spokeswoman for WorkCover, Colleen also gave lessons, trained horses and was ultimately awarded honoured with awards for her work with clients with a disability.

It was her “weekend job” where she started to use her background as the Research Report Manager at the CCLRU, University of NSW to develop a series of tests and a teaching program for Police Mounted Units.

For 30 years Colleen lectured and ran short courses at Universities around the World, and worked with USDF Gold Medallists, Olympic/Paralympic medallists in several different sports. (Yes, including gold medal winners!).

Colleen retired from sports in 2025, and is now back in her beloved home state of Queensland, about to embark on a new phase of her career.

Although she is “retired”, Colleen never sits still…she continues to donate time and organise fundraising events from time to time for charities, for clients with disabilities, and for Police Mounted Units, and her chosen charity: the International Anti-Slavery Commission.

University of NSW & the
WorkCover Authority of NSW

Chair, International Anti-Slavery Commission

Colleen credits her sister, Shauna T. Kelly, a graduate of the University of New South Wales (UNSW), as her primary inspiration. Attending Shauna’s MBA graduation profoundly influenced Colleen, leading her to relocate to Sydney and work at the Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit (CCLRU) at UNSW. Her time at CCLRU was marked by intense hours and collaborative research under the late Professor Brien A. Holden, fostering both her scientific acumen and her appreciation for community – and for developing Colleen’s, now famous, wicked sense of humour and known love of political satire.

While at UNSW, Colleen also pursued studies at Deakin University, focusing on psychology and computing, before ultimately redirecting her career toward sports biomechanics. Despite the challenges posed by economic factors, she views her transition from academia to industry as a pivotal moment that catalysed her diverse career trajectory.

Colleen’s ‘s move to WorkCover ultimately saw her elected Spokeswoman of the WorkCover Authority of NSW.

Awards & Honours

Elite Police Biomechanics Training

A group of mounted police officers in uniform, training on horseback, with a focus on teamwork and discipline.

Adjunct Professor/Guest Lecturer Universities & Colleges

A lecture on biomechanics focused on rider seat and posture, featuring a slide presentation with images of riders in action. Two women are present, one standing at a podium and the other speaking to the audience.
Colleen Kelly, Guest Lecturer University of Kentucky

Expert Opinion/
Expert Witness in Court

  • Expert Witness (in court) for Maurice Blackburn (sports/disability injury)
  • Expert Witness (60 Page Written Opinion) for McCabe’s Lawyers (sports/disability)30 years experience working with clients with disabilities
  • Expert Opinions and Expert Court Witness as Spokeswoman for the WorkCover Authority of NSW

Clients with Disabilities

Major Keynotes

Australia

  • Teaching & judging hundreds of pony club, dressage, state championships and Royal Show events over 30 years in every state of Australia.
  • Sydney & Melbourne International CCI*** 
  • Equitana:   Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane over many years
  • Developed & conducted National Vaulting Team Biomechanics Training (who ultimately won the gold medal in Sarasota Florida, USA).
  • Founded Vaulting Victoria
  • Appointed to the Equestrian Federation of Australia’s National Committee for Vaulting
  • Judge & Presenter at Sydney, Brisbane & Melbourne Royal Shows

New Zealand

  • Taught the Auckland ISRB official teacher training over many years
  • : Taught the Wellington ISRB official teacher training course.

Canada

Hong Kong & China

South Africa

United Kingdom

  • Clinics & lectures throughout England, Ireland and Wales
  • Main Arena Key Note – Royal Dublin Show
  • London Metropolitan Police – mounted escort to the Queen of England’s guards
  • ISRB official teacher training
  • Roadshow – Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool

USA

Press & Publications

A filming session at an equestrian facility, focusing on an instructor giving guidance to a rider near a jump set up, with a cameraman capturing the action.

Community & Charity

Colleen is a dedicated philanthropist known for her generous donations and commitment to social causes. Her passion for giving back is evident in her support for education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives. Through her efforts, she aims to positively impact those in need and inspire others to make a difference, reflecting her belief in the power of collective action for lasting change.

  • Head: Organising Committee: International Optometry Conference. Jupiter’s Casino (while with UNSW)
  • International Biomechanics Symposium (three years)
  • International Anti-Slavery Commission Conference, Las Vegas (two years)
  • International Anti-Slavery Commission Awards nights 2022, 2024, Mirage Casino, Las Vegas
  • International Rider Biomechanics Awards Night Fundraiser, Marriott Hotel, Lexington Kentucky.
  • Queensland Youth Orchestra Fundraiser (IFYO Tour)
  • Heart Research Institute (Wall Street Movie Premier & other fundraisers)
  • Volunteer Coordinator – 2022 Northern Flood Disaster
  • Official Marathon Race Water Station (Organised an official refuge/water stop station with volunteers and equipment at Black Pearl Farm.)
  • Donated three decades worth of free coaching to athletes with disability, their coaches and riding centres around the world, including many famous ParaOlympians who medalled in 7 Paralympics in a row.
  • Donated extensive workplace safety research to police mounted units around the world.
  • Founded Vaulting Victoria

Testimonials

Before being famous with horses…Colleen’s First Love was training trick Dogs & Cats

A dog sitting on an agility ramp with a playful expression, surrounded by a green grassy area and trees in the background.
2025 Picture of Tutu The Trickster, Colleen’s current performing trick dog – the last in a long line of performing dogs bringing joy to Australia, Canada and the USA for decades.

Colleen comes from a long line of animal trainers. Her great-grandmother, Mary Louise Berry, was a tiny woman, barely over 4 feet tall, who gained renown for training horses—something women never did in the 1800’s. It is said that while the men were out fencing, she would sneak in and train the horses before they realised it. Following in her footsteps, Colleen’s grandmother, Bertha Mary Manuel, rode astride at a time when women always rode sidesaddle—a shocking rebellion, indeed (LOL! Colleen’s mother, Gwen Manuel/Kelly, was also a remarkable rider with a rebellious streak; she always told the famous story of moving the zipper in her brother’s jodhpurs to the side so she could wear men’s pants and ride safely – shocking the entire district!

Not only was Colleen’s mother a wonderful rider, she always trained cats to do tricks. In the 1930’s dogs were barely trained. They were chained up and considered “work animals”, not pets. Cats did nothing. People believed the couldn’t learn – meanwhile her cats could do every trick in the book!

In Colleen’s family, training dogs was almost seen as trivial since all their animals performed tricks and liberty acts, and cats are obviously much harder, and horses more dangerous, but, no matter all her accolades with horses, Colleen’s true love was always dogs and cats. Although retired from horses, Colleen still performs with Tutu the Trickster at community and charity events, where Tutu proudly shows the public hos she has learned sign language basics and loves visiting the deaf community. And, of course, Tutu’s best friend is the trained trick cat “Alex the Alley Cat“.

Articles

by Colleen Kelly

Human Resources

Workplace Safety

Improving Productivity

Employment Law Compliance

Sports Biomechanics

A collage showcasing logos and banners from various events and organizations where Colleen Kelly has been a keynote speaker, judge, or presenter.
Chair, Organising Committee of several IASC Symposiums.
World Famous Aintree Racecourse,
Liverpool, England.
We always promote our farm in Lexington KY - and you're welcome to promote your lessons or your farm - so bring any of your brochures!
End of an era – retiring from owning the magnificent “Black Pearl Farm”, Paris, Kentuck, retiring from sport and returning to Qld, Australia.

London's metropolitan police. See them take their saddles off while jumping http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE4YU2QY_Yw

Teaching at the world famous London Metropolitan Police – see them on youtube take off their saddles while jumping the horse!
Colleen Kelly back speaking again at the University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky Lecture(s)
Colleen's programs have been United States Dressage Federation approved in the past - ask how you can get your event officially approved as "sign off hours"
Arranged official sign-off events
United States Dressage Federation
Teaching at the National Police Colloquium Kentucky Horse Park
Teaching Police – Kentucky
Colleen Kelly at the University of Kentucky - if you're helping at a lecture you get to learn so much - FOR FREE!
University of Kentucky
Lecture Series

Colleen Kelly presenting at the IEH Festival (World Equestrian Games Kentucky)
World Equestrian Games,
Lexington, Kentucky
Colleen Kelly teaching at the National Police Colloquium Kentucky Horse Park
National Police Colloquium

Great crowds in CA!
Huge Crowds watching my demo in California