Tim Buxton

Over the past two decades, Tim has immersed himself in diverse locations across The Middle East, Australia, and the United States, utilising his expertise to to provide organisational leadership, relief, training and community development in over 30 countries. Co-founding The Refuge Initiative in 2014, whilst serving as Iraq Country Director for World Orphans, Tim remains committed to the mission of providing shelter and education for displaced families, driven by local Indigenous leadership. Holding a postgraduate degree in Philanthropy and Non-profit Studies at the Queensland University of Technology, Tim leverages his expertise to inspire individuals to lead courageously and embark on their own purpose-filled adventures.

Upon returning to Australia in 2017, Tim founded ‘You Belong’, a global social impact organisation headquartered in both Australia and the United States. Serving as Board Chair and Founding CEO, he guides You Belong’s vision of empowering refugee Waymakers to belong and thrive within every community they serve.

Recognising the transformative potential of business in driving positive change, Tim launched his own social impact enterprise, ‘Just Travel Co’, specialising in tailoring trips for schools, universities, corporates, churches, and private groups.. Rooted in his cross-cultural experiences, passion for travel, and belief in the power of social enterprise, Just Travel curates culturally immersive group adventures with the goal of fostering unity amongst the world’s diverse cultures. Tim’s talents can also be seen through his podcasts ‘Justice Matters’, ‘Waymakers Today’ and ‘Who Is My Neighbour?’. 

A captivating and passionate communicator, Tim has received acceptance into the David Liverworth CQ Fellows Program 2025, an elite group of thought leaders devoted to building a more culturally intelligent world. His presentations engage and inspires audiences through his authentic and adventurous energy, inspiring and equipping leaders to pursue more purposeful and courageous lives. Whether on stage or in the podcast studio, his contagious message is simple: “We are all Waymakers, and together we can create a world where everyone belongs”.