Our research-based programs are run through your local Aboriginal Medical Service and targets those with, or at risk of, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Our program runs for 10 weeks, but within the first 14 days many people will see dramatic changes to their blood sugar and blood pressure.
Margo was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 30 years ago, and was on insulin for 20 years.
It didn't take long for Mary to turn her health around!
Meet some of the participants from our western Sydney program!
Dr Perrin chose to lead the way for her patients!
Hear from the nurse and the Aboriginal health practitioner that run the program!
Curtis and his wife Margaret, both pharmacists, played an integral role in the success of our program in Emerton!
Ray Kelly is a proud Gomeroi man and one of Australia’s leading health professionals, with over 33 years of experience in the health and sports industries. As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, researcher, and health advocate, Ray has dedicated his career to transforming lives, particularly within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, by addressing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes through innovative, evidence-based programs.
Ray’s passion stems from a deep commitment to improving health equity for Aboriginal people. His Too Deadly for Diabetes program exemplifies this drive—an innovative 10-week lifestyle program delivered within primary care settings that has empowered participants to collectively lose over 6,100kg and reduce average HbA1c levels by 1.68%. By training local health professionals to deliver this program, Ray ensures its long-term sustainability, while influencing national policy to improve diabetes management outcomes for all Australians.
Ray’s trailblazing achievements are equally evident in his research. Currently completing a PhD at the University of Melbourne School of Medicine, Ray’s work focuses on analyzing factors contributing to the successful reversal of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle change by Indigenous Australians. He was awarded a prestigious Medical Research Futures Fund (MRFF) grant, leading a team of 12 researchers to investigate the impact of physical activity and diet on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with type 2 diabetes. Ray’s work directly informs national strategies, positioning him as a leader in chronic disease prevention.
His dedication to advancing health care extends beyond research. Ray has authored three critical sections—Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, and Overweight/Obesity—in the RACGP Preventive Health Guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. For the first time, this resource will be accessible to all health professionals, providing practical, research-backed solutions to address health disparities.
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.
Ray is often asked to provide interviews about his work. Check out what he's been up to!
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