[3] Kelly's uncle was Kerrod Park, who was known for his involvement with local government in Queensland, having served as the chairman of Duaringa Shire Council from 1973 to 1994.

[4][5] Kelly grew up on a cattle property where she obtained her primary education from her mother who taught her at the kitchen table.

[6][7] In her first parliamentary speech, Kelly paid tribute to her late father Ian Park who she commended for having a "girls can do anything" attitude.

[7][9] Kelly served in this position until September 2006, when she was reappointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Regional Services.

[7] At the 2007 general election, Kelly was unseated by Labor candidate and City of Mackay councillor James Bidgood.