This week we lost a very special and influential person and a truly great South Australian. Gabrielle Kelly AM inspired countless people with her compassion, her zeal, and her vision.

Thanks to Gabrielle, thousands of people have a positive relationship with wellbeing, work that started with her initiative to bring Martin Seligman to Adelaide. This led to Gabe’s founding of SAHMRI’s Wellbeing and Resilience Centre, around Seligman’s PERMA+ model; like her climate documentary work, it was another collaboration both necessary and ahead of its time.

What Gabrielle achieved with building ‘a state of wellbeing’ is part of her profound legacy. Gabe’s extraordinary charisma, her warm humour, fervent curiosity and drive are something I will always remember. I know I am far from alone.

Back in 2017, I had the privilege of working closely with Gabrielle as one of the leaders of TEDxAdelaide as she prepared for the stage. I saw first hand how she brought together this compelling story. Even though the sound quality could be better, it is well worth 17 minutes of your day.

Vale Gabrielle Kelly, born in 1953 and died in 2024 on 23 July.