About Kay Danes
A distinguished humanitarian leader and crisis response strategist with 30+ years of proven excellence in international security and humanitarian operations. Honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for pioneering initiatives that have transformed countless lives and communities through groundbreaking policy reforms and unwavering advocacy for human rights.
"An absolute inspirational speaker. Kay Danes' life reads like a Hollywood script. In fact, it would make a great dramatic movie. Kay’s humanitarian contribution to humanity is incredibly inspiring. Every opportunity to see her speak should be made."
Australia's Leading Independent Speaker's Bureau
The Kay Danes Story
Dr Danes is a distinguished humanitarian leader with over three decades of experience in international security and crisis response operations. Her remarkable ability to forge connections across diverse communities has made her a transformative force in global humanitarian efforts.
In one of her most significant achievements, Dr Danes led a critical evacuation operation in 2021 that saved thousands of at-risk Afghans during the Taliban takeover. Coordinating a complex network of veterans, aid workers, and intelligence operators, she established crucial evacuation routes through Kabul Airport and neighbouring countries. Her influential advocacy resulted in landmark changes to Australian immigration policy, creating pathways for previously excluded Afghan allies. Her exceptional leadership in this crisis was recognised with the prestigious American Ingenuity Award in December 2024, acknowledging her pivotal role in protecting American allies following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
A recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia, Dr Danes' humanitarian contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including Rotary International awards and Australia Day Honours. Her expertise is regularly sought at high-level international forums, including U.S. Congressional events, the National Press Club, and the Conference on World Affairs. Her dedication to education and community development has been recognised with the prestigious Moreton Bay College Medal.
As a passionate advocate for military personnel welfare, Dr Danes has led crucial reforms within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), focusing on improving arbitration processes and addressing mental health concerns among service members and veterans. Her strategic recommendations have significantly influenced government policy and institutional practices.
Drawing from her personal experience surviving torture as a hostage in 2000, Dr Danes has become a powerful voice for change, successfully advocating for reforms in Australian policy regarding citizens wrongfully detained overseas.
[Tele Conference (LINK): Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee Inquiry. The testimony of Dr Kay Danes, OAM courtesy of the Australian Wrongful and Arbitrary Alliance (AWADA).
(NB: Some technical difficulties at the start of the testimony but are rectified at 2:35 mins)
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International Ambassador Resolute Ready
Board Member Rotary E-Club of Global Trekkers - [501(c) (3) Nonprofit]
Board Member Florence Nightingale Global Health - [501(c) (3) Nonprofit]
Associate Member Australian Bravery Association
Member Australian Wrongful and Arbitrary Detention Alliance
Women In Business Australia (Link)
30 YEAR CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Human Rights Advocate - GAP Legal & Veteran Services
Doctoral Researcher (Full-Time) Southern Cross University (Law & Justice)
Adjunct Lecturer (Casual) University of New England (Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences & Education -HASSE)
External PhD Examiner (Casual) University of Adelaide
Human Resources Manager, British Embassy (Middle East)
Special Projects Officer, Australian Embassy (Middle East)
Administrator, Global Security Group Pty Ltd.
Other roles:
Author
New Holland Publishers
Big Sky Publishing
Cambridge Scholars Publishing
“Kay Danes had provided critical and important research, evidence and testimony to the U.S. Congress, government policymakers and the Center for Public Policy Analysis (CPPA), over the years, regarding ongoing human rights and religious freedom violations in Laos, Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia,” -- Philip Smith, Executive Director of the CPPA.