From community roots to academic milestones: Bud Kelly’s journey to graduation
Proud Awabakal and Dhunghutti man, Raymond Kelly Junior, known to many as ‘Bud’, has finally found the right time to pursue his own academic path.
A recognisable face around the Wollotuka Institute, Bud has been part of the University community since childhood, growing up surrounded by culture and education.
Both of Bud's parents studied at the University and worked at the Wollotuka Institute. His father, Dr Raymond Kelly, now serves as Chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, while his mother, Amanda Kelly, is a respected Elder in Residence at the University.
Before enrolling himself, Bud has played a key role in student recruitment, encouraging others to consider university study.
“I’ve always wanted to study at University myself, but I had to put that on the backburner raising three children, paying bills and a mortgage,” Bud said.
“Since my daughters came along, working hard and having a job has always been the most important thing so I can provide for them.”
Now, with the support of good family and friends, completing Open Foundation alongside his nephew Illum, Bud is looking forward to studying a Bachelor of Media and Communication.
“Open Foundation is a massive step for me, might be a minor one, but it’s step one on my journey towards a degree,” Bud added.
“I’ve always had a passion for film and photography, and being able to finally enrol in university is getting me closer to what I want to do.
“I come from a family of creative storytellers, and it’s been a dream to build our own in-house production company to produce theatre and documentaries.
“There are a few things I’ve been working on for more than 20 years now. So having a space to create all this wonderful content and telling the stories of Aboriginal people in a way that we as a community and as a family like to tell our stories; producing content representing Newcastle.”
Deeply connected to culture, Bud is known for his yidaki (digeridoo) performances and will be playing at the 10am graduation ceremony on Friday.
Bud’s story is one of strength of community and culture, family support, and the importance of creating pathways for future generations.
Bud’s highlight of graduation is getting to walk across the stage with his parents and daughters in the crowd – hoping to inspire his girls to also consider university in their future, doesn’t matter how old you are.
Raymond ‘Bud’ Kelly will graduate from Open Foundation at 6.30pm on Wednesday 16 July.
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.