VACCHO would like to advise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that this article may contain images, voices, and discussions of those who have returned to the Dreaming.
Leading while learning
A proud Arrernte woman and mum of two, Keely is the founder of Services Apetyeye – a new, Aboriginal-owned disability support service in Geelong that’s rewriting the story for young Mob living with disability.
Launched while raising her sons and studying her Diploma of Community Services at Yagilaith Djerring (VACCHO’s RTO), Keely’s work is a powerful blend of Culture, care and lived experience.
‘Studying has helped me back myself,’ she says. ‘It’s given me language to explain what I’m doing and why. I’m not just starting a business – I’m building something that’s culturally safe, led by lived experience, and backed by learning.’
We sat down with Keely to discuss her business, her study experience – and her vision for culturally safe disability care.
Seeing the gap – and filling it
Keely’s vision for Services Apetyeye comes directly from her own journey – navigating the NDIS to support her sons and coming up against systems that weren’t built with Mob in mind.
‘Too often, I felt like I had to hide our way of life – like my boys sleeping on mattresses on the floor or sharing my room – just to avoid judgment from non-Indigenous workers who didn’t understand us,’ she says. ‘That’s not support, that’s surveillance. I’m building something different.’
The service aims to provide holistic, trauma-informed, culturally grounded support for Aboriginal children and families – especially those who’ve been left behind by mainstream systems.
‘Because our kids deserve to be part of Culture, part of Community, and proud of who they are.’
Blending Culture, care and safety
Keely’s study journey at Yagilaith Djerring has been more than a course — it’s been a source of confidence, connection and clarity.
Through the Diploma of Community Services, she’s learning how to navigate complex systems like the NDIS, build ethical, person-centred practice, and strengthened her leadership.
It’s also given her a community of trainers, mentors and fellow students who believe in her mission and walk alongside her.
‘Keely is a force to be reckoned with,’ says Jad David De Busch, Executive Manager of Yagilaith Djerring. ‘She shows up for herself and others every single day. She’s breaking the norm and being the change – for herself and her Community.’
The power of representation
Services Apetyeye isn’t just about care – it’s about connection. Keely’s programs are built around sensory play, art and language, with a long-term goal of integrating First Nations languages into AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools so that non-verbal Aboriginal kids can still stay rooted in Culture.
‘You shouldn’t have to leave Culture behind to get support,’ she says.
That passion comes from a deeply personal place – from love, grief and legacy.
Keely honours the memories of her father, Alan Ah-Kit, an Arrente artist and deeply cultural man, and her children’s father, Scott Thomas, who both passed too young.
‘Losing my Dad in 1997 and my boys’ Dad in 2021 shaped me,’ Keely shares. ‘It gave me the fire to protect my boys, to stand in the gap where services fall short, and to help other families avoid the isolation we went through.’
Keely’s father and Arrente artist, Alan Ah-Kit.
A village behind her
Culture. Family. Community. These are the pillars Keely’s built her business on. And she’s found a training provider in Yagilaith Djerring that shares her values.
‘We are a community here, and our alumni show us every day why we do what we do,’ says Jad. ‘You never know the paths people have walked. But we’re proud that Yagilaith Djerring – our little RTO – can be a place where people like Keely thrive. That’s special. That’s life changing.’
And with Services Apetyeye still in its early days, Keely is looking to her Community for ongoing solidarity and support.
‘I’ve got support from my peers, mentors and trainers here, but what I need now is Mob backing – the love, the energy, the Community to walk this with me,’ she says. ‘Even things like art supplies, sensory tools, play mats – every little bit helps.’
The work is just beginning
Keely’s not waiting for the right time. She’s doing it now – raising kids, building a business, studying, healing, creating.
And in the middle of all that, she’s building something bigger: a future where Aboriginal kids with disability are seen, respected and supported — with Culture recognised as their strength and at the heart of their care.
Let’s get behind her. Because culturally safe care is a right. And Keely is making sure our kids don’t have to choose between support and identity.
Inspired by Keely's story?
Find out how you can start your own journey of impact, healing and change at Yagilaith Djerring.
