Kyleen is dedicated to improving Aboriginal health and social well-being and is passionate to contributing to the healing of First Nations individuals, families and communities. With a career spanning over 18 years, she's made her mark with extensive experience in urban, regional, and remote settings, working with various organisations including private, not-for-profit, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.  

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Kyleen grew up with roots spread across Australia and has had a deep connection to her heritage and culture. She's seen the disparities up close with the pain of losing loved ones to suicide and self-harm and the harsh realities of dealing with the justice system. These experiences fueled her curiosity and commitment. Kyleen gained qualifications in Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Indigenous Trauma Practice and Recovery, and from this, set her sights on making a meaningful difference in the health sector.

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“I have always been present to the disparities that exist between First Nations and Non-Indigenous people. After losing many people I love through suicide and various forms of self-harm, I became curious as to why this is. My passion lies in contributing to the healing of my people,” Kyleen said.  

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As Red Dust’s Strong Young Women’s Program Manager, Kyleen designs and oversees programs that deliver holistic health messages for Aboriginal girls and women, working together with community to ensure the initiatives and discussions align. One standout achievement for Kyleen was her collaboration with ‘Deadly Runners and the Mutitjulu community to deliver Mutitjulu’s first ever Colour Fun Run Event in 2023. Kyleen’s role also includes contributing to policies that support a safe work environment and the Reconciliation Education Program. Additionally, she is a member of Red Dust’s First Nations Leadership Group, contributing to policy development and program initiatives.  

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Kyleen's personal journey is a testament to the power of resilience. She redefines resilience as “the capacity to pause, reflect, heal, and stand up stronger despite the challenge or adversity.” Her approach to healing involves embracing pain, feeling it, and allowing it to move through, rather than letting it get stuck and cause harm.  

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A turning point came in 2012 when Kyleen, despite not finishing year 12 and becoming a mother at 17, was promoted to Regional Coordinator for the Tobacco Cessation Program. This recognition was a testament to her value, insight, and dedication to her work. This experience reinforced the importance of self-belief and the power of a supportive network.  

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Kyleen’s work, coupled with her personal healing journey, packs her with the knowledge, experience, and compassion necessary to uplift and inspire others.

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Behind Kyleen's successes are the figures that shaped her. Her parents and grandparents, who have always radiated strength, wisdom, and kindness, and her children, who teach her about unconditional love and acceptance daily. Red Dust colleagues like Jonathan Lindsay-Tjapaltjarri Hermawan, and former mentors Tamsin Porter and Malindey Warke, have also been pivotal in fostering her growth. “It’s important to have people believe in you and nurture your growth and development. It can build self-esteem and confidence, especially as an Aboriginal person,” Kyleen said.  

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Looking ahead, Kyleen’s dreams and aspirations extend beyond her immediate role. She hopes to be a great mum and role model, empowering her four children to stride confidently through both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal worlds. Beyond this, Kyleen is committed to continuing to empower and uplift girls and women in remote Indigenous communities through health, education, and self-determination.

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To Kyleen, on behalf of the young people you work so hard to support and the wider Red Dust community, we can’t thank you enough. Your passion, dedication and resilience is truly inspiring.  

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Thank you to Small Change Big Change for conducting the interview and for the information provided above. Check out Small Change Big Change and the awesome work they do here.

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About Kyleen Randall

Kyleen Randall is a Yankunytjatjara, Pitjantjatjara, Anmatyerre and Kamilaroi woman living and working in the shadows of Uluru, in Mutitjulu Community, NT. She is qualified in Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD), mental health, and trauma practice with professional experience in community development, Aboriginal community-controlled health services, and trauma informed care. Kyleen’s passion in these areas inspires her to create programs that are responsive to community needs, that support healing, education and empowerment, using local cultural and kinship connections as an access to fulfil her commitment. With this hope in mind, Kyleen believes as Anangu Tjuta (First Nations peoples) become more informed about how their personal stories of Colonisation has impacted their life and belief systems, healing will be achieved for communities across the nation. Kyleen is a mother of 4, entrepreneur and owner of social enterprise — Tali Katu.

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