Carly Stanley is the CEO and founder of Deadly Connections, a proud Wiradjuri woman born and raised on Gadigal-Wangal land, and a respected leader with over 25 years of experience in the government and community sector. With an extensive educational background—including five TAFE Diplomas, an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences majoring in Criminology, and a Master's in Criminology—Carly combines academic excellence with lived experience and professional acumen to drive transformative change within systems and Aboriginal communities. Carly’s journey is deeply personal. As a survivor, she draws on her lived experience to advocate passionately for women and children at risk of harm. This dedication has fuelled her work in breaking cycles of systemic racism, disadvantage, trauma, and incarceration, particularly through culturally responsive support services. Carly’s leadership and innovation have been widely recognized. She is the recipient of a prestigious Churchill Fellowship, which has allowed her to explore best practices internationally and bring back valuable insights to her work. She is also an AMP Tomorrow Maker awardee, celebrated for her commitment to creating lasting social impact. In addition to her leadership, Carly is an accomplished educator, writer and counsellor, with specialist skills across many social service areas. Carly delivers training in areas such as trauma-informed practice, cultural safety, capacity building and community development, empowering others to create individual and collective lasting impact. Her counselling expertise spans complex trauma, alcohol and other drugs, domestic violence, justice involved and impacted people, family dynamics, and supporting mob. Under Carly’s leadership, Deadly Connections was established as a direct community response to the systemic harm of mob and has become a pioneering community-led organisation, recognized for its innovative advocacy and justice work, family support, community events and programs. Her work has earned widespread recognition including Absec Aboriginal Organisation of the Year for 2020 and multiple awards, strengthening community resilience and promoting self-determination.

Carly has published a number of book chapters in criminological texts both internationally and locally, Carly is also a sought-after speaker and mentor, known for her insights on leadership, survivor led initiatives and challenges, neurodivergence, cultural safety, and intergenerational trauma. Her unique combination of professional expertise and lived experience makes her a trusted and influential voice within the sector. Carly is passionate about mentoring other young First Nations women and will be bringing this into her work moving forward.Outside of her professional achievements, Carly is a devoted aunty, mother/grandmother and mentor, embodying the strength, compassion, and spirit she champions within her work.