Graeme Kelleher AO was trained as a Civil Engineer with an early career focus on the structural design and construction of major civil engineering projects in Australia and Canada.

In 1976 he became a Commissioner on the Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry. The Commission determined Aboriginal land ownership and defined the Kakadu National Park. Graeme then advised the Government regarding the international proliferation of nuclear weapons.

In 1979 Graeme became the first Chairman and CEO of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) - positions he held for 16 years. He worked with the IUCN and became the first Vice-Chairman, Marine of its World Commission on Protected Areas. He continues to work with these organisations as a Senior Adviser.

He has designed systems of marine protected areas (MPAs) in several countries and is at present a member of the Scientific Council for MPAs in West Africa (RAMPAO).

In 2011 Graeme was appointed as one of the 12 Ocean Elders and as an Ambassador to the One World One Ocean Program.

Graeme is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering (ATSE), the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) and of the Institution of Engineers, Australia (IEAust). He has received many honours and awards, including Officer of the Order of Australia, Fred M Packard International Parks Merit Award, the Centenary Medal and investiture into the Hall of Fame, Institution of Engineers, Australia.

Graeme has authored and edited several major books, including 'Guidelines for Marine Protected Areas' for IUCN and 'A Global Representative System of Marine Protected Areas' for the World Bank, IUCN and GBRMPA and has had many papers formally published and presented.