Ray Kelly is a Gomeroi man, and one of Australia’s most respected leaders in chronic disease prevention, with over 34 years’ experience in exercise physiology, health program design, and research. His work is recognised nationally for delivering measurable improvements in the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Ray is the founder of Too Deadly for Diabetes, a proven lifestyle program delivered in partnership with Aboriginal medical centres across 16 communities. The program has already achieved extraordinary results: participants have collectively lost more than 8,000 kilograms and recorded an average HbA1c reduction of 1.6%, directly improving diabetes management and long-term health outcomes.
His credibility is underpinned by major contributions to national policy and guidelines. Ray authored the Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, and Overweight/Obesity sections of the RACGP/NACCHO National Guide to a Preventive Health Assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, and he was part of the Department of Health and Aged Care’s leadership group for the 24-Hour Physical Activity Guidelines. He also holds appointments on multiple national advisory groups including NACCHO, the Heart Foundation, ESSA, and the Department of Health.
Academically, Ray is completing a PhD at the University of Melbourne School of Medicine, focusing on the reversal of the process of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle change in Indigenous communities. His first study has already been published in the Medical Journal of Australia. His expertise is further validated through a Medical Research Future Fund grant to investigate the integration of continuous glucose monitoring with lifestyle programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Beyond academia, Ray has been recognised as Exercise Physiologist of the Year (2019 & 2024) by Exercise & Sports Science Australia. He has also authored popular weight-loss books, consulted on national television programs, and prepared world-class athletes for Olympic and professional competition.
With this unique combination of clinical expertise, research leadership, and program delivery, Ray Kelly offers medical centres a trusted, evidence-based solution to improve outcomes for people living with type 2 diabetes. The Too Deadly for Diabetes program is not only culturally responsive but also proven to achieve measurable, life-changing results.
Ray’s influence as a leader and advocate is unparalleled. He has presented at Parliament House six times in the past 12 months, championing improved access to health care technologies and better outcomes for Australians living with type 2 diabetes. His contributions to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes, alongside senior policymakers and health leaders, reflect his ability to unite stakeholders for meaningful change. Ray’s membership on the 24-Hour Physical Activity Guidelines Leadership Group, the Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Advisory Committee, and the Health and Wellbeing Queensland Research Advisory Committee further highlight his capacity to shape national health policies and programs.
A passionate educator, Ray shares his knowledge through presentations at universities and conferences, empowering health professionals to deliver culturally appropriate, evidence-based care. He also designs and leads workshops for GPs, nurses, and allied health professionals, fostering greater collaboration and capacity within Indigenous health care.
Ray’s influence extends into the public domain, co-hosting SBS’s Australia’s Health Revolution with Dr. Michael Mosley. This groundbreaking series educated millions of Australians on the power of lifestyle interventions to reverse type 2 diabetes, further cementing Ray’s reputation as an innovative and inspiring leader.
Beyond health care, Ray’s achievements include training world-class athletes, including 14 boxing world champions, and contributing to public education through his weight loss programs and books. Ray also trained 2 winners from 2 attempts on Channel 10’s ‘The Biggest Loser Australia’ and was the resident sports scientist on Fox 8’s reality boxing show ‘The Contender Australia’.
His work bridges communities, research, and policy, embodying a rare combination of expertise, compassion, and unwavering determination.
Ray Kelly’s passion, drive, and groundbreaking achievements are a testament to his trailblazing leadership. He continues to inspire health professionals, policymakers, and communities across Australia, leaving an indelible legacy of improved health, equity, and hope.
