You Belong

30/10/2026

Good food. New friendships. A whole lot of belonging! 💚🍛

WIN 9 News joined us for the very first session of Cook2Connect, experiencing firsthand the fun, food and friendship that make this program so special.

What made the day even more meaningful was that several of our refugee Waymakers had arrived in Australia just two weeks ago.

Some walked in as strangers. By the time we sat down to eat, we felt like family. ❤️

Together, we prepared a Middle Eastern favourite, chicken biryani, sharing stories, laughter and a few cooking tips along the way.

Even the WIN News crew couldn’t resist sitting down to enjoy a plate of deliciousness!

We’re not sure when the story will air, but we’ll be sure to share it as soon as it makes its way to good old social media.

As more Waymakers begin their new lives in Australia, moments like these remind us that belonging doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it begins with a warm welcome, a shared meal and a place at the table.

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful donors, program partners and volunteers who make moments like these possible.

The impact continues to grow, and so does our You Belong family.

One meal. New friendships. Endless belonging. 💚

15/09/2026

🎓 Another term of English Classes has come to a close!

We recently celebrated the graduation and certificate presentation for the wonderful women who have participated in our English Classes at Glenvale State School.

These classes are about so much more than learning English. They provide an opportunity for mothers to build confidence, connect with their children’s school and community, and grow in independence and belonging.

The program is run by an incredible team of You Belong volunteer tutors, many of whom are former teachers. Their dedication, patience and generosity in giving their time each week to support these mothers is truly inspiring.

We’re also incredibly grateful to Glenvale State School for hosting the classes and providing a translator to help make the program accessible.

And to all of our graduates, a huge congratulations! 👏 Your commitment and hard work deserves to be celebrated.

A big thank you to Cathy, our volunteer tutors, Glenvale State School and everyone who plays a part in making this program possible.

What a wonderful way to finish another term! 💛

15/09/2026

🌟 Waymaker Spotlight: Cheraz

We’re so proud to celebrate Cheraz and some wonderful achievements.

Recently, Cheraz passed her driver’s licence test, after being mentored through our Learner Driver Mentor Program (LDMP).

And there’s more good news. Cheraz recently asked us to provide a support letter for her job application for an interpreter role. We’re delighted to share that she was successful and has now started her new job!

Cheraz previously participated in our Road Safety Education program and has also supported You Belong by helping others through interpreting. It’s wonderful to see her now building on those skills and creating new opportunities for herself and others.

We’re incredibly proud of you, Cheraz. Congratulations on both achievements, and all the very best in your new role! ❤️

02/09/2026

🚀 EXPLORE. CREATE. INNOVATE.

Are you a young person in Years 9–11 from a refugee background and curious about where STEM could take you?

You Belong Australia, together with the Australian School of Entrepreneurship, is offering a FREE 3-day STEM program designed to help young people explore careers, connect with industry leaders and turn ideas into innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Across three action-packed days, participants will:

💡 EXPLORE — Discover exciting STEM career pathways, meet inspiring industry professionals and get hands-on with interactive STEM activities.

🧠 INNOVATE — Work in teams to tackle a real community challenge, design a STEM-based solution and pitch your idea in a Shark Tank-style challenge.

✈️ GET BEHIND THE SCENES — Visit Wellcamp Airport to see STEM and technology in action, explore aviation innovation and discover the careers shaping the future of the industry.

And along the way, participants will build confidence, leadership skills, creativity and the courage to imagine what’s possible.

📜 Participants receive a Certificate of Completion and Letter of Recommendation.

📅 Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 September
⏰ 10:00am – 2:30pm
📍 Toowoomba Grammar School
💰 FREE

Applications are now open!

If you know a young person who would love to explore STEM, discover new possibilities and meet people who could help shape their future, please share this with them.

👉 Register your spot now via the QR code or contact You Belong Australia for more information.

03/08/2026

3 August 2014. 3 August 2026.
Twelve years since the Yazidi genocide began in Sinjar.

Today we stand with our Yazidi Waymakers, neighbours and friends here in Toowoomba — home to Australia’s largest Yazidi community — as they remember those they lost and those still missing.

Some grief doesn’t need our words. Just our presence. 🕯️

03/08/2026

Twelve years ago today, ISIS launched a campaign of genocide against the Yazidi people of Sinjar, northern Iraq. It has been formally recognised as genocide by the United Nations investigative team and by the Australian Parliament.

The numbers are still difficult to sit with: more than 6,400 people abducted, over 2,500 still unaccounted for, and more than 90 mass graves identified in Sinjar — dozens of them yet to be exhumed. More than 135,000 Yazidis remain in displacement camps in northern Iraq today.

Toowoomba now hosts the largest Yazidi community in Australia. That fact carries a responsibility. Settlement support isn't only housing, English and employment — it's recognising that many people rebuilding their lives here are also survivors carrying an unfinished story.

To our Yazidi colleagues, Waymakers and community members: we see you today, and we honour those you are remembering.

16/07/2026

We're thrilled to share that You Belong has been featured in ABC News, shining a light on our Learner Driver Mentor Program and the incredible Waymakers and volunteers who make it happen. 🎉
Read the full story below &
keep an eye out this week — we're also being featured on Channel 7 News! 📺
Here's the reality behind the headlines: our Learner Driver Mentor Program runs on just ONE training car. Right now, over 100 people are on the waitlist to learn to drive — a skill that opens the door to jobs, English classes, and independence. If that one car needs repairs or maintenance, the whole program stops.

We need a second vehicle to keep up with demand and protect this program from being derailed by the unexpected.

Now is the time to back You Belong. 🚗💛
👉 Donate to help us secure a second training vehicle: send an email to [email protected] and find out how you can help!
👉 Want to be part of the team? We're looking for mentors and volunteers across several programs: https://www.youbelong.org.au/volunteer

Learning to drive is helping refugees leave the problems of isolation and difficulty accessing opportunities in the rear-view mirror in Toowoomba.

16/07/2026

Thank you Channel 7 News for featuring our Learner Driver Mentor Program, passionately driven by our amazing volunteers!

So proud of everyone involved from those that have given generously to find our work to each other staff member and volunteer making such a huge difference in the lives of Toowoomba’s refugee Waymakers!

19/06/2026

🎉 Another Driving Milestone Achieved! 🚗👏

Congratulations to Srur Sulaiman Hamad on passing her driving test! 🥳

After many mentoring hours with volunteers and practising in the You Belong Learner Driver Mentor Program (LDMP) vehicle, Srur earned her licence—a fantastic achievement and another step towards greater independence and opportunity.

A driver’s licence is about so much more than getting from A to B. It opens doors to employment, education, and stronger community connection.

A huge thank you also to Saad for investing his time and encouragement, and to all of our amazing volunteer mentors who make these life-changing moments possible.

Congratulations again, Srur! We wish you every success on the road ahead. 🚘💙