Melanie Jane Kelly

Words never seem to be enough at times like this. Never the less, it is often the only way we can express the memories, thoughts and feelings we have about someone we have lost. Words which come to mind when I have been thinking of Mel seem to be boundless, as that is how Mel lived life, with boundless enthusiasm. Energetic, dynamic, caring, inquisitive, inspiring, engaging, articulate, passionate, motivated, compassionate, humble, generous, visionary, humorous, lovable, gifted, witty, effervescent, wise, cheerful and fun loving. We know Mel enjoyed a good party, and above all, she was just down right friendly. Many people have used these and similar words in this Online tribute to our dear Mel. Many of these words are unlikely to be used when people reflect on our lives, mine included, but these words are a testament to the positive impact Mel Kelly has had on so many people in her short life. My friendship with Mel goes back 25 years. This young lass with a Forestry degree came into the Forestry Office here at Triabunna and introduced herself. Mel was looking for some forestry related casual work. From memory, she initially did a bit of seed collection and through this encounter, we established a lasting friendship. From day one it was obvious that Mel had a passion for sustainable environmental management, however she recognised that effective change, needed to be done through collaboration, not conflict. Mel had an amazing ability, through her passion, to inspire people about environmental issues, special places, special plants, special birds and animals. Bertrand Cadart recognised Mel’s fabulous attributes, and it was Bertrand who gave her the opportunity and support, to progress the amazing projects and environmental outcomes that have been achieved on the East Coast of Tasmania since she has been here. Mel chose this part of the world to call home. I had the pleasure of working with Mel on many projects driven by her through the Glamorgan Spring Bay NRM Committee and she always had the “Big Picture“ in mind. Even with this Big Picture, Strategic view, Mel was always the first to get stuck in with the real hands on ground work, whether it be weed control, seed collection, tree planting, track building, cleaning up rubbish or building fish ladders, whatever it was, Mel would be in amongst it. One of Mel’s sayings that I loved to hear was “he or she gets it” or conversely “they just don’t get it”. Her summing up of an individual in this way was usually pretty well spot on. Mel was an inspiration and mentor to all who worked with her, particularly her NRM Team. She had an amazing repour with most people she became acquainted with. All of her direct work colleagues have had great admiration for her passion, her dedication and her endless energy, despite the underlying health challenges she has had to deal with over the past 10 years. Mel always gave 110%, a trait which was not always recognised by people who never took the time to get to know her. Her innovative work with her beloved Fonz in weed detection and more recently, pathogen detection, was ground breaking and has been recognised internationally. The passing of Melanie Jane Kelly is a loss to the World, to Australia, and particularly to the East Coast of Tasmania. Wherever Mel has gone, I know she will Kick Ass and make it a better place for all of us who will eventually follow. Thank you for your friendship Mel, I will miss our deep and meaningful problem solving chats at the kitchen bench. You are an inspiration to so many people in so many ways. Rest easy Mel, you have certainly earned it.