Terry Keaney & Bondie Awards
Legal Aid NSW is proud to be associated with both the Terry Keaney Award and the Bondie Award, which recognise excellence among criminal defence lawyers and are decided by a committee of representatives from across the profession.
The Terry Keaney Award honours service above and beyond the call of duty by a criminal defence lawyer. Terry Keaney was a barrister at Frederick Jordan Chambers and later a Public Defender, whose career was marked by exceptional dedication before his untimely passing.
The Bondie Award, named in honour of Greg Bond, recognises humility and quietness in achievement. Greg Bond was a senior solicitor with the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT, known for his personal generosity, deep respect for Aboriginal clients and their families, his readiness to take calls for advice at any hour, and for always putting himself last. This award acknowledges practitioners who may handle less serious, more repeat matters, but who are nonetheless equally deserving of recognition for delivering excellent legal representation.
Terry Keaney Award Nominees
Catherine Hunter
Cathy was admitted to practice in New South Wales in 1985 following completion of a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University in 1984. She commenced her legal career in private practice before joining Legal Aid NSW in 1986, where she worked in the Inner City Local Courts and with the Prisoner’s Legal Service. In 1997, Cathy established her own practice, Catherine Hunter Solicitor, where she continues to practise. She has extensive experience appearing across all jurisdictions, including the Local, District, Supreme and Children’s Courts. Cathy is also regularly engaged in complex matters such as Sexual Assault Communications Privilege applications and has appeared as part of the Legal Aid Review Panel. Her practice has extended to significant public inquiries, including the Royal Commission into the Home Insulation Scheme (2014) and the Disability Royal Commission (2023). She has also appeared in the Walama List, contributing to innovative approaches within the criminal justice system. Cathy completed a Master of International Law and International Relations at the University of New South Wales in 2014, reflecting her strong interest in international criminal law. Throughout her career, Cathy has remained dedicated to criminal law practice, while raising her three children. She has instructed counsel in significant appellate matters, including Muldrock v The Queen (2011). Outside of legal practice, Cathy brings a distinctive personal touch to her career narrative, having
performed in what is believed to be the only band to ever play at Central Local Court at the 1987 retirement of Deputy Chief Magistrate Kevin Anderson.
Kellie Stares SC
Kellie was admitted to practice in 2005 and called to the Bar in 2007. She has built a reputation in criminal and appellate work, appearing for adults, children and those suffering from mental health issues and intellectual disability. She appears regularly in trials, and sentence matters before the District and Supreme Court as well as conviction, sentence and inadequacy appeals in the Court of Criminal Appeal. Kellie also appears in HRO, THRO, and FPO matters before the Supreme Court. In the proceedings of JP, Kellie successfully argued the dismissal of proceedings for an intellectually disabled young person in relation to sexual assault offences, being the only NSW example of a successful application. Kellie is widely known for her trial advocacy, and her exceptional ability to cross examine witnesses including children and experts. She has countless successful trial results including defence of the helicopter pilot who was charged with reckless operation of an aircraft, defence of the man who was alleged to have killed his brother over a packet of Tim Tams, as well trials relating to firearms, kidnapping, drugs and matters involving violence. Kellie was appointed senior counsel in 2022, and has been a member of the Bar Association’s Criminal Law Committee and Legal Aid Committee and has presented at the Bar Association and Legal Aid NSW conferences on technology use in criminal trials, cross examination of police, and HRO matters. In 2026, Kellie established her own series of in-person workshops on advocacy in District Court trials and Local Court hearings. Her workshops are available across Sydney and Newcastle.
Rose Khalilizadeh
Rose is a Public Defender with extensive experience in criminal law, appearing across multiple jurisdictions. She was admitted as a solicitor in 2011 and called to the Bar in 2017. Since her appointment as a Public Defender in 2022, Rose has represented some of the most vulnerable members of the community charged with serious criminal offences, as well as appearing in inquests, high-risk offender proceedings, and matters involving forensic patients. Her earlier career as a solicitor included roles in private practice, the Aboriginal Legal Service, the Children’s Legal Service, and Legal Aid NSW. Rose is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales. Her notable appearances include acting for the accused in Cook (a pseudonym) v The King [2024] HCA 26, concerning the operation of s 294CB of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986, and representing the accused in the longstanding prosecution of Bernard Collaery in the ACT. Rose serves on the Board of the Redfern Legal Centre and is the Honorary Secretary of the NSW Bar Association. She is a member of the Bar Association’s Wellbeing and Professional Conduct Committees and has previously served on its Criminal Law Committee. She is the criminal stream director of the upcoming Australian Bar Association Advanced Trial Advocacy Course and a teacher with the Australian Advocacy Institute. She is the Vice-Chair of Diverse Women in Law. Rose has particular expertise and interest in Commonwealth matters, First Nations issues and children’s criminal law. Beyond her courtroom work, she is deeply committed to advocacy training and to fostering greater diversity within the legal profession.
Elly Mason
Elly was admitted to practice in 1997 after coming to law later in life and studying psychology. She commenced her career in a private firm in Wagga Wagga, undertaking criminal law and Legal Aid work, including Local and Children’s Court duty lists across the region. She joined Legal Aid NSW in 1999, in Inner City Local Courts, working at most metropolitan and suburban Local Courts, and appearing in various jurisdictions including Commonwealth summary matters, District Court appeals, and Supreme Court bail applications. In 2002, she moved to the Committals Unit where she conducted committal hearings and appeared in District Court sentencing matters. Following the abolition of committals, Elly joined the indictable team of Legal Aid NSW at Sydney Central in 2018. Between 2020 and 2023, she worked as a Solicitor Advocate, running her first jury trial in the District Court during the COVID-19 period. She’s also acted as a Solicitor in Charge at Legal Aid NSW before returning to work as a Solicitor Advocate where she currently remains. Elly’s practice now encompasses a broad range of trial matters, including sexual offences and Commonwealth work. She has a strong focus on jury trials and is passionate about developing advocacy skills amongst her staff. For a career break Elly spent time on secondment as a policy officer with the Criminal Law Review Division of the Attorney General’s Department. Elly considers the most privileged part of her job to be able to share in the lives and stories of society’s most marginalised and demonised, and knowing that sometimes, that makes a difference. She attributes her long-standing career at Legal Aid NSW to being able to find good humour in the darkest places and that unearthing light and laughter are unsung resilience mechanisms.
Crystal Triggs
Crystal is an experienced criminal lawyer and leader in justice reform, currently serving as Project Director of the Bugmy Bar Book. Crystal has built her career working at the forefront of advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. She spent over seven years with the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT), including as managing lawyer and later as Legal and Program Manager for the Bugmy Bar Book, before being appointed Project Director in 2025. Her work has focused on advancing culturally informed sentencing practices and improving outcomes for First Nations clients. Crystal has also worked in the Northern Territory with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, including as managing solicitor for the youth practice, and provided advice for people giving evidence in the Royal Commission into Youth Detention and Child Protection in the Northern Territory, including representing a youth client who became a case study in the final report. She has also worked in private practice and as a Judge’s Associate, Alongside her practice in criminal law, Crystal has contributed to legal education, in her role at the Bugmy Bar Book and as a teaching fellow at UNSW, and Adjunct Professor at Southern Cross University. She has also undertaken further studies in Yolngu languages and culture. In 2023, Crystal (who lives and works on Bundjalung Country) was recognised as Rural and Regional Practitioner of the Year by the Law Society of NSW, acknowledging her leadership in improving access to justice in regional and remote communities. Crystal is a member for the Law Society of NSW Indigenous Issues Committee.
Bondie Award Nominees
Belinda James
Belinda James was admitted to practice in 2005 and is currently the Practice Manager of the Children’s Legal Service at Legal Aid NSW, based in Campbelltown. She has extensive experience in EAGP work, both as an instructing solicitor and in leadership roles managing staff. Belinda has frequently acted as Solicitor in Charge of the Campbelltown Office, undertaking this role on numerous occasions since 2019. She has significant experience in complex criminal litigation, including instructing both junior and senior counsel in the matter of R v Milat and Klein [2012] NSWSC 634. She has also appeared in other serious matters, including R v Dannevig, a complex murder case, and R v Kray, the first case in New South Wales to raise substantial impairment in the context of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Belinda has a strong professional interest in children’s law, matters involving mental health and fitness to plead. She has been a part of the development and implementation of numerous pilot programs at Campbelltown Children’s Court including The YOLRS (Young Offender Legal Referral Scheme), Youth Conduct Orders Scheme, Domestic Violence Liaison Officer Court Assistance Program, Education Reconnect and Indigenous Mentoring Program. In addition to her criminal law work, Belinda has worked in Civil Law Services for Aboriginal Communities (CLSAC) at Legal Aid NSW including the Bourke and Brewarrina communities. She has also been a solicitor in the Aboriginal Women Leaving Custody Program, where she conducted regular visits to correctional centres to deliver legal education, provide legal clinics, and undertake casework for Aboriginal women to secure stable housing upon release. Belinda has dedicated over 20 years to Legal Aid NSW and remains a stalwart of the Children’s Legal Service team.
Laura Melhuish
Laura is a criminal defence lawyer with the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW ACT who predominantly practices in trial work. She has a strong focus on advocacy and particular interest in Children’s Court matters. She began her legal career as a volunteer with the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW ACT in their Wollongong office in 2018 and subsequently worked in the Wagga and Bourke ALS offices, and as the Youth Koori Court solicitor in Redfern. In 2024, she was appointed as a trial advocate in a statewide relief role, appearing in matters across multiple jurisdictions. She has developed strong culturally informed and community focused advocacy skills and key expertise in police powers, public interest immunity and Serious Children’s Indictable Offence matters.
Alongside her practice, Laura is passionate about mentoring and supporting junior lawyers. She’s has appeared in several notable matters, including R v Connor Fontaine (a pseudonym) [2021] NSWSC 177, R v Edwards [2022] NSWDC 110, Elwood v Director of Public Prosecutions [2023] NSWSC 772, and R v Jane (a pseudonym) [2025] NSWDC 266.
Usman Naveed
Usman is a trial advocate with the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) and has extensive experience representing clients across regional and metropolitan New South Wales. Usman commenced his legal career following his completion of a Bachelor of Laws and International Relations at Macquarie University, including a period of international study in Germany. He gained early experience as a paralegal with the Public Defenders NSW, and the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre as well as an internship with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency. Usman joined the ALS as a solicitor in 2021 working in Kempsey, Bathurst and Parramatta offices. He became a trial advocate in 2026 and represents clients throughout Western NSW. He’s developed a strong practice focusing on advocacy and improving access to justice in regional communities. Prior to entering practice, Usman served as tipstaff to Justice Button, Supreme Court, NSW. Alongside his legal work, Usman has demonstrated a strong commitment to community and education, including mentoring students from refugee backgrounds and contributing to the Macquarie Law Journal. His academic achievements include recognition as the highest achiever in the subject Refugees, Displaced People and Human Rights.
Georgia Walker
Georgia is a criminal defence lawyer with the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW ACT currently managing the South Coast cluster. She was admitted to practice in 2020 and has since built a strong practice grounded in advocacy for vulnerable and disadvantaged clients. Prior to admission, Georgia worked as a paralegal in a generalist firm and for barrister Kellie Stares, where she developed a keen interest in advocacy. Following her admission, she practised in a private firm in South West Sydney, working across both criminal and family law. In 2021, she joined the ALS in Redfern as a solicitor with the Custody Notification Service and also spent time as the sole solicitor responsible for the ALS Supreme Court bail practice. She moved to the Wollongong office in 2023. Georgia regularly appears in both the Local and District Court, carrying a duty practice, managing busy lists, and appearing in appeals and District Court sentence matters. She also manages a busy EAGP practice instructing counsel in trial matters. She has a particular interest in bail applications and section 14 applications, taking great care in advocating for clients with mental health and cognitive impairments. This work is deeply personal to Georgia, informed by her own lived experience growing up with a family member with a cognitive impairment. Georgia’s work demonstrates a strong commitment to achieving fairness for
her clients. She has appeared in several significant Supreme Court bail matters, including R v Vincent [2023] NSWSC 8, R v JB [2023] NSWSC 94, and R v JH [2023] NSWSC 93. In R v Vincent, a published decision, the Court considered material drawn from the Bugmy Bar Book, tendered in support of bail for a particularly vulnerable client with complex mental health needs. The matter of R v JH also marked an important development in the use of bail supervision for young people who had not entered guilty pleas, including cases involving doli incapax issues.
Benjamin Goodhew
Ben was admitted to practice in 2022 and has since built a strong foundation in criminal defence, working closely with Aboriginal communities in regional New South Wales. Following his admission, Ben commenced practice at Kells Lawyers in Wollongong before joining the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW ACT in 2023. He began at the Redfern office and now practises in Nowra, where he provides essential legal services across the Nowra and Milton regions. As one of only two ALS solicitors servicing the southern cluster area, Ben manages a broad Local and Children’s Court caseload. His work includes duty lists, defended hearings, and District Court appeals. His has a strong commitment to ensuring clients are represented, heard, and supported at critical early stages of the justice
system. While Ben does not describe himself as having a formal specialty, he is particularly engaged in matters involving police interactions and takes care to advocate for clients who have experienced adverse interactions with police. Since moving to Nowra, he’s represented many clients at Circle Sentencing, observing firsthand the meaningful impact this process can have for Aboriginal clients and their engagement with the justice system. Ben has quickly become a valued part of the ALS, contributing to a crucial service through steady, thoughtful advocacy and a commitment to the communities he serves.
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