Toowoomba Regional Lead

Kinda Flaha is an integral part of You Belong and our dynamic leader of the team in Toowoomba. 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 specializing 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.

Volunteer & Program Lead

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.

Founder & CEO

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 a d better world where we all belong.

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.

Xindi Huang

Community Awareness and Research Practitioner (SCU Placement Student | Master of Social Work)

Xindi Huang is a dedicated Master’s student in Social Work at Southern Cross University, specialising in bridging cultural divides through her extensive multicultural knowledge and bilingual skills. Originally from the picturesque province of Yunnan in mainland China, known for its lush forests and serene lakes, Xindi has recently relocated from Sydney to the Gold Coast to embark on this new chapter in her social work journey.

Her commitment to fostering community belonging and support is evident in her active participation in transformative projects such as “Nobody’s Listening” and the “Move 2 Belong” campaign. Xindi’s work is driven by her passion for creating inclusive environments where individuals can share their stories and feel safe in their journeys.

With an incredible ability to listen and a genuine interest in people’s experiences, Xindi’s approach to social work embodies empathy and dedication. Her role at You Belong involves not only fulfilling her placement hours but also playing a key part in launching our initiatives on the Gold Coast. She will be instrumental in building networks with local agencies that serve refugees and CALD communities, ensuring that our program delivery aligns with the unique needs and opportunities of the region.

We are thrilled to have Xindi with us and are eager to explore ways to retain her beyond her placement, given the invaluable contributions she is already making. The truth is, we just love having her around along with her fine taste in music, especially when she puts her favourite band, Blur, on the playlist.

We are grateful to welcome Xindi, whose commitment to social justice and intercultural understanding reflects the heart of our mission at You Belong.