Keeley inducted into women’s honour roll

BALLAN’S Keeley Johnson has added another accolade to her growing list of honours, being included last month on the State Government’s 2024 Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

The 20-year-old founder of Keeley’s Cause was among 21 women inducted into the roll in a ceremony at the Arts Centre Melbourne hosted by Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins.

She is also the youngest ever to be inducted.

Keeley, who is autistic, was listed in the Emerging Leader category. She was unavailable to comment on the achievement, but her mother and Keeley’s Cause CEO Sharon Murphy said the fact that Keeley was the youngest ever inductee made the honour even more exciting.

“I can tell you she was very overwhelmed and honoured,” Ms Murphy said.

She said Keeley was particularly pleased with the fact that the recognition came from the government.

“It was even more important that they’ve recognised her for the work that she’s doing, because the government doesn’t fund us,” she said.

“Now that they’ve highlighted the work she’s doing and put her on the honour roll, that’s very important to her work.”

Keeley and Ms Murphy established Keeley’s Cause when Keeley was 13, identifying a need for iPads for children with communication difficulties who did not qualify for government support.

At the time, an iPad helped Keeley with her learning.

More than 450 devices have been distributed since the organisation began, and Ms Murphy said another 25 were soon to be sent out across the country.

Coming events for Keeley’s Cause include a Yobbo Lotto night at the North Ballarat Sports Club on Friday 29 November, which will include raffles and entertainment, and the annual Christmas Giving Day on 15 December in North Geelong.

Tickets for the Yobbo Lotto event are available at keeleyscause.org.au.

Keeley’s latest achievement follows her inclusion in August on the list of Australia’s Top 50 Small Business Leaders for 2024 by Inside Small Business.

She was also a nominee for the Young Australian of the Year in 2021.

More than 750 women have been listed on the Victorian Honour Roll of Women since it began in 2001, recognised for their contributions to fields including science, art, environment, law, social justice, research, health, media and education.