Kellie O’Connell
By Laura Wakely
ONCE in a lifetime you may meet someone who makes you feel like the most special, important person in the world.
For many people, Kellie O’Connell was that person.
The kindergarten campaigner, who was passionate about improving services across Brimbank and the western suburbs, passed away on 8 December last year after a five-year battle with breast cancer.
Now the kindergarten community she loved so much wants to make a lasting tribute to Kellie, by renaming the Ridgeway Parade Kindergarten, where she once taught, in her name.
Brimbank Preschool Association (BPA) colleague and friend Deborah Briggs said Kellie’s passion was to make sure there was equality and no cultural bias for children and she would “go above and beyond” for staff.
“She was one of those people who made everybody feel like they were special,” Deborah said.
“She was just a super lovely person. I can’t put into words what she meant to people.
“We knew there was something we needed to do to acknowledge her and keep her legacy going.”
Support for the renaming has flooded in from government and community organisations, teachers and parents.
Jodie Knox from Early Childhood wrote that Kellie had continued to fight for the best interests of children, families and services despite her own fight with cancer.
“Kellie inspired everyone around her, the children who she cared for and educated every day, the families who she embraced and provided ongoing support to and all the services and community groups she connected with to ensure the best outcomes for the children and families in her services,” Jodie’s letter said.
Brimbank City Council will consider the renaming, which the kindergarten community hopes will be completed in time for the one-year anniversary of Kellie’s passing in December.
Whatever the outcome, it seems the work of the remarkable young woman will live on.
