About Kay Danes
Honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for outstanding commitment to social justice and 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 serves as volunteer Public Image Director on the board of the Rotary EClub of Global Trekkers.
A retired administrator with over 30 years of experience in international security and crisis response, Dr. Danes excels at building connections across diverse communities. Nearly all of her humanitarian work has been voluntary, reflecting her deep commitment to service.
In 2021, Dr Danes coordinated a critical evacuation operation that saved thousands of at-risk Afghans during the Taliban takeover. Working with veterans, aid workers, and intelligence operators, she established evacuation routes through Kabul Airport and neighbouring countries. Her advocacy resulted in landmark changes to Australian immigration policy, creating pathways for previously excluded Afghan allies. She received the American Ingenuity Award in December 2024 for her role in protecting American allies following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
A recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia, Dr Danes has earned numerous accolades including Rotary International awards and Australia Day Honours. Her expertise is regularly sought at international forums such as U.S. Congressional events, the National Press Club, and the Conference on World Affairs. She has been recognised with the Moreton Bay College Medal for her dedication to education and community development.
Dr Danes has led crucial reforms within the Australian Defence Force, focusing on arbitration processes and mental health concerns among service members and veterans. Her recommendations have significantly influenced government policy and institutional practices.
Drawing from her experience surviving torture as a hostage in 2000, Dr Danes has successfully advocated for reforms in Australian policy regarding citizens wrongfully detained overseas.
Her voluntary service across these humanitarian efforts demonstrates extraordinary dedication and moral authority—her advocacy carries weight because it stems from genuine compassion rather than personal gain.
[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)
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 HIGHLIGHTS
PhD Graduate- Southern Cross University (Law & Justice)
Adjunct Lecturer - University of New England (Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences & Education -HASSE)
External PhD Examiner- 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.