You Belong

You Belong

Non-profit organization

Refugees are Waymakers. Become part of our community that extends hands and heart across borders to empower
Waymakers.

In 2014, the seeds for You Belong's timely beginning were sown when Tim and Sarah Buxton moved to Northern Iraq to lead a humanitarian mission. Their arrival coincided with a harrowing global crisis: the ISIS invasion of Iraq on June 9, forcing 2 million people to seek refuge on the doorstep of their new home in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region.
For over three years, the Buxtons partnered with local community leaders to provide housing, education, medical care, trauma counselling, and vocational training to thousands of Iraqi and Syrian refugees and internally displaced families.
Upon their return to Australia in 2018, the Buxton’s were struck by the integration challenges faced by refugees. Just a few hours drive away, Tim discovered that in Toowoomba alone, a rapid resettlement of over 2, 000 refugees from Iraq and Syria had taken place, sparking the creation of You Belong Australia. Established with tax-deductible (DGR) charity status (PBI) by the Australian Commission for Not-for-profts, You Belong is driven by the bold vision to see “Waymakers* Thriving in Inclusive Communities”.
You Belong envisions a future where Waymakers thrive in inclusive Australian communities. The organisation is energetically committed to fostering a culture of welcome and generosity towards Waymakers, celebrating diversity, and championing opportunities for volunteer engagement.
These volunteers are central to championing Waymakers and empowering their integration, success and sense of belonging within their new local communities.
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