Belinda Young

Belinda never set out to be a community leader—she just saw a need and decided to do something about it.

Back in 2015, as a mum of two young children in the Yarra and Dandenong Ranges, Belinda fell off a ladder and realised that isolation wasn’t just about missing connections, it was a matter of survival. This event opened her eyes to a real problem - so many local mums are struggling with the same isolation, navigating parenthood, and just trying to find their people. So, she created Mums of the Hills, a simple Facebook group that quickly grew into a thriving, real-world support network of over 7,700 members. What started as a space for mums to connect has since become a powerful force for good—one that steps up in times of crisis and brings the community together in ways she never imagined.

Belinda is the kind of person who doesn’t just talk about change—she makes it happen. When storms and bushfires hit, she’s there organising emergency info and practical workshops (yep, even chainsaw training). During the pandemic, while businesses and families were doing it tough, she was pulling together mental health and food support directories to make sure no one got left behind. And when she saw that women in her community were facing domestic violence or financial hardship, she found ways to help.

Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed—Belinda was named Victorian Local Hero in the 2023 Australian of the Year Awards. She does it because she believes that community matters, and when people look out for each other, incredible things can happen.

Belinda channeled her commitment to her community into research, completing a PhD exploring how online and place-based communities interact to create real-world action. While her research focused on preventing human-caused bushfire ignitions, its insights can be applied to any kind of grassroots movement. She knows firsthand that when people are connected—both digitally and in person—they don’t just share ideas; they get things done.

As a keynote speaker, Belinda brings warmth, honesty, and the kind of real-life experience that truly resonates. She’s been invited to speak at councils, business networks, and community groups, sharing what she’s learned about resilience, grassroots advocacy, and the power of everyday people making a difference.

If you’re after a speaker who can cut through the noise, inspire action, and remind people that community is everything—Belinda is your woman.