Opal Queen crown is a perfect fit for Dorothy

Opal Queen Dorothy Kelly with jewellery designer, Peter Sherman, who designed her first prize pendant. Photo: Dorothy Kelly

Story: Kristin Murdock – kmurdock@outbackradio.com.au

When Dorothy Kelly’s name was announced as the 2026 Lightning Ridge Opal Queen at the Lightning Ridge Opal Festival’s gala ball on August 1, she wasn’t the only one in tears.

“I was absolutely shocked,” she said. “I had half the club crying with me.”

For those who know the lifelong Lightning Ridge local, the result came as no surprise. The 49-year-old has spent much of her life giving back to her community through youth support, emergency services, and volunteering.

Event manager Louise Kelly said Dorothy’s win was especially meaningful after years of involvement in the competition.

“She’s lived here most of her life, she’s been in the Opal Queen Ball many times, and this is the first time she won,” Ms Kelly said. “It was just incredible. She was stoked.”

Dorothy’s connection to Lightning Ridge stretches back to childhood after her family moved there when she was just four years old.

“My dad was a miner,” she said. “My brother’s an opal miner, so the place is in my blood.” […]

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