On December 31 1983, The Brisbane Express was heading northbound through Kempsey. Suddenly the crew noticed something lying on the tracks. Realising they didn’t have enough time to brake and stop. They continued on, feeling a noticeable bump as the train collided with whatever was on the tracks. They had no idea that they’d just run over the body of Lewis ‘Buddy’ Kelly.
While the police chalked it up to a tragic accident. The Kelly family knew, deep down, that Buddy met with foul play.
If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, please be advised that this episode covers the death of a young Aboriginal man.
Source material for the case
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – No. 28 – FRIDAY 14 JUNE 2019
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NOTICE PAPER No. 17 TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2019
Sydney news: Lewis ‘Buddy’ Kelly’s family wins fight to have body exhumed 40 years after death
‘We need answers’: Search for the truth continues for Lewis Buddy Kelly’s family
Legislative Council – NSW Government
Joining with the family of Lewis Buddy Kelly in their quest for justice
Lewis ‘Buddy’ Kelly to be exhumedFamily demands police to re-examine mysterious death of Indigenous boy left on NSW train tracks
The tragic death of a young Aboriginal man
Marching Through Kempsey
David Shoebridge (L), MP for the Greens Party, marched through Kempsey with Buddy’s family and friends. Demanding answers for the Kelly family.
Lewis 'Buddy' Kelly
Buddy was a talented tennis player. Apprentice glazier. And beloved member of the Kelly family.
Justice for Buddy
The banner that was carried on the march through Kempsey.
Was Buddy's death an accident or murder?
If you want to hear more about this case, please listen to the Background Briefing episode. Allan Clarke shares further details about the suspicious death of Lewis ‘Buddy’ Kelly.