Director of Engagement

Kinda Flaha is an integral part of You Belong and our dynamic leader engagement in both Toowoomba and further afield. Known for her passion for community development and refugee empowerment. Her journey is a source of inspiration all who meet her.

From a young age in Syria, Kinda's love for different cultures and languages led her to study English as a second language. She pursued this passion further, obtaining a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and Arts. Kinda's academic background laid the foundation for her career as an educator, where she taught English to children and adults, enriching their lives through language.

Her role as an educator extended beyond the classroom. In Syria, Kinda coordinated language programs and community service initiatives, leading a team at a local institute teaching English, Russian, and Arabic. Her team's social impact was tangible, involving projects like painting primary school walls, renovating a local library garden, and running social media campaigns to foster hope and change within Syria.

However, the escalating Syrian Civil War brought increasing danger to her hometown, forcing Kinda and her young family to seek refuge in Iraq. Their journey eventually led them to Australia, where they were granted a humanitarian visa. This new chapter in Australia has been marked by significant milestones — notably, when Kinda, Yamin (husband) and Ebrahim (son) became Australian citizens on January 26, 2023.

Kinda continues to pursue her dreams, including her passion for travel, drawing, writing poetry, and cooking. This love for cooking has blossomed into a successful venture — “Kinda's Kitchen”, a catering business specialising in delicious and nutritious Middle Eastern cuisine.

Kinda’s refugee lived experience is invaluable to You Belong, ensuring that our organisational and programmatic impact is grounded in empathy and authenticity. Her contributions are not just vital to our success; they are a testament to the power of hope and the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.

Director of Programs

Kelsey brings a vibrant tapestry of experiences and skills to our team, perfectly aligning with our mission of empowering Waymakers through compassionate and innovative community engagement.

Kelsey's journey in social impact and community development is both impressive and inspiring. A graduate of the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of International Studies, majoring in Peace & Conflict and Spanish, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to social justice and community development. Her academic prowess was further enriched through an exchange program at Universidad Pontifica Comillas, where she gained a Diploma of International Relations from a Spanish Perspective.

Her professional experiences are as diverse as they are impactful. From her role as Vice President of the UQ Refugee Tutoring Club, where she significantly enhanced student engagement, to her compassionate work as a Disability Support Worker with LeapIn and Staffing Options, Kelsey has always put people and their needs at the forefront.

Kelsey's role at You Belong is pivotal. She is the architect behind our strategies to recruit and empower volunteers and provide development and impact evaluation of our programs. Her innovative approach and leadership skills are key to expanding our reach to more communities through Australia.

Her accolades, including the 2021 University of Queensland Social Justice Club of the Year and the UQ Employability Award, speak volumes of her dedication and ability to inspire change. Fluent in English and proficient in Spanish, Kelsey's communication skills are as diverse as her experiences.

Kelsey's role is not just a job; it's a reflection of her life's passion for social justice and community development. Her energy, empathy, and innovative spirit are invaluable assets to You Belong and the communities we serve. We are excited to see how her vision and leadership will further our mission and help us create more inclusive and thriving communities for Waymakers across Australia.

Program Assistant

Jiana Thilth has always been passionate about languages and culture. She earned a Bachelor of English Literature and Arts, deepening her love for both language and artistic expression. While studying, she began working at a government school—a role she continued even after graduation.

However, like many Syrians, Jiana’s life took an unexpected turn when war broke out. Forced to flee, she sought refuge in Iraq, where she embraced new cultures and worked in community services, supporting those in need. During this time, she applied for resettlement in Australia, arriving in 2018 with hope for a fresh start.

Jiana quickly immersed herself in community work, starting as a volunteer with an organisation supporting vulnerable women from multicultural backgrounds. She helped them connect through group activities, fostering friendships and confidence. She then moved into a role assisting new arrivals, using her lived experience to help others navigate the challenges of settling in a new country.

Alongside her work, Jiana has always sought ways to share her passion for language and culture. She worked part-time as a teacher’s aide, supporting students with special needs, and started free language and craft classes, teaching Arabic to young children in her community. These classes became a source of joy, fostering a connection to heritage and identity.

Now based in Toowoomba, Jiana continues to seek opportunities to develop her skills and serve her community. Her journey is one of resilience and dedication, and she is passionate about helping others feel at home in their new country.

Founder

Tim Buxton, the heart and soul behind You Belong, is an impact entrepreneur deeply invested in fostering communities where everyone truly belongs. His journey, which has taken him from places like Indonesia and Iraq, to Colorado, New York and his current home — Australia — has profoundly shaped his vision of creating spaces filled with beauty, belonging, and shared joy.

Tim's story is one of meaningful connections and a purpose-driven life. His meeting with his future wife, a shared passion for humanitarian work and community development at the core, marked the beginning of a joint journey towards making a tangible difference in the world.

Living on the Gold Coast with his young family, Tim's life is a rich blend of personal and professional pursuits. He is dedicated to living a life that's not just meaningful and adventurous but also empowering for others. For Tim, it's about ensuring that our gifts and pursuits ripple outwards to benefit others, adding goodness and beauty to the world.

Family is central to Tim's universe. Striving to be the best husband, father, friend, employer, and leader he can be, drives him every day. Professionally, Tim is committed to steering You Belong towards becoming a beacon of innovative social impact. He's also passionate about developing a purpose driven travel company. Ultimately, Tim dreams of one day curating a dynamic community of entrepreneurs and entities with a mission to collectively harness their shared values and vision to create a beautiful and better world where we all belong.

Accounts Manager

Lynette brings a wealth of experience in bookkeeping and accounting, shaped by a journey across three countries. Originally from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Lynette grew up during the civil war before moving to South Africa in search of new opportunities. As a young immigrant, securing employment was challenging, but a chance role in the accounts department of a private hospital set her on a lifelong career path in accounting.

More than 20 years ago, Lynette and her family emigrated to Australia, embracing the challenges of adapting to a new culture while furthering her education in bookkeeping and accounting. She went on to work alongside an accounting firm as a contract bookkeeper before becoming a registered BAS Agent.

A stickler for accuracy, Lynette is dedicated to maintaining clear financial records that not only keep us organised but also tell the story of how our resources fuel real impact. Her meticulous approach helps You Belong demonstrate how every dollar contributes to empowering and supporting Waymakers in their new home, reinforcing the importance of every contribution.

Beyond numbers, Lynette enjoys working with people and recently completed a Certificate III in Assistant in Nursing, allowing her to work part-time in aged care. She is also a proud mother of three and grandmother of three, all of whom have made Australia home. Outside of work, she is an avid reader who loves gardening, walking, and playing tennis.

Having previously worked with Kim, Lynette was thrilled to join You Belong, knowing firsthand the challenges of settling in a new country. She is passionate about supporting an organisation that helps others navigate their own journeys, ensuring they feel welcomed and empowered.

Managing Director

Kim Ketley joins You Belong as Managing Director, bringing over 15 years of diverse experience in operations, business development, and leadership. Originally from Wales, Kim’s distinct Welsh accent adds a unique touch to her role, while her passion for fostering inclusive, fair environments and optimising systems aligns perfectly with our mission.

Kim's journey in leadership began in the entertainment sector, where she managed and expanded a small business for a decade, collaborating with entertainers from CALD backgrounds. Her knack for streamlining processes and developing innovative solutions has consistently driven organisational growth and enhanced impact.

Kim recently relocated to the Gold Coast with her husband James and their new baby girl, Jaya. After a maternity leave filled with joy and new experiences, Kim is excited to dive into leading You Belong’s operations. Her vision includes expanding our services to new regions and creating an environment where every individual can contribute their unique strengths.

Known for her commitment to operational excellence, Kim affectionately describes herself as the "efficient," a term that reflects her dedication to maximising our efforts and impact. She is also an avid martial artist and fitness fanatic, embodying the discipline and drive that she brings to her role.

Kim's leadership promises a blend of empathy, collaboration, and strategic growth, ensuring that You Belong continues to empower Waymakers and foster inclusive communities. Her return to the Gold Coast, where she has family, marks an exciting new chapter for both her and the organisation.

LDMP Assistant & Community Liaison

Amin is a vital member of the You Belong team in Toowoomba, bringing a unique perspective and dedication to supporting Waymakers through our Learner Driver Mentor Program (LDMP). As a Yazidi Waymaker, Amin’s deep connection to his community and his personal journey give him an invaluable understanding of the challenges many face, allowing him to provide empathetic and hands-on support to those in need.

Amin’s role is diverse but always centred around one goal: helping Waymakers thrive in an inclusive community. From coordinating transport for individuals attending our programs to assisting with logistical tasks, vehicle management, and even offering support with driving lessons, Amin’s flexibility and commitment ensure that our services run smoothly and effectively.

His approach to community support is grounded in care and practicality. Amin’s reliability and willingness to go above and beyond reflect his dedication to our mission.

As Amin prepares to take on additional training to become a certified driving instructor in 2025, we’re excited to see him continue to expand his role and help more Waymakers achieve their goals. His impact in Toowoomba is a testament to the power of grassroots leadership and the drive to make a real difference.