The Changemaker: The Quiet Leadership of Ange Tyson
In the heart of Queensland’s family services sector stands Ange Tyson, someone who embodies the ethos of listening with respect. As the Kinship and Foster Care Team Leader, Ange’s career with Kummara Limited and Infinity Community Solutions Ltd (KICS) over the last decade reflects commitment and dedication to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, championing connection, culture, and care.
Ange began working with the Kummara Indigenous Parenting Program in 2011 and within 12 months moved into the space of kin mapping. Initially kin mapping was integrated in other programs before becoming fully funded as a standalone service called the Family Care Finder Program, now known as Connecting Kin, under Ange’s leadership in 2023. This program is one of passion for Ange where she sees it as a much-needed service that reconnects children in care with their families. Her leadership within this arena has not gone unnoticed, with KICS pioneering innovative approaches under her guidance, including a celebrated presentation at the National Foster and Kinship Care Conference in 2022. The presentation created much discussion with the concept of Kin Mapping permeating into regional Queensland after Ange and KICS Program Manager Melanie Dolman co-presented in Darwin.
For Ange, this work is deeply personal, going beyond a tokenistic nod. The history of the Stolen Generations and the ongoing impact of colonisation drive her efforts to prevent the unnecessary removal of children from their families even today. “Bring the children home” isn’t just a slogan for Ange—it’s a call to action.
“We are a proud Aboriginal people,” Ange emphasizes, underscoring the need for cultural connection as a fundamental human right. She works tirelessly to ensure children maintain their cultural identity, a cornerstone for belonging and resilience.
Leadership runs in Ange’s veins, inspired by her mother’s role in the community. Yet, Ange resists the label of “leader,” describing her contributions as simply a part of who she is and her dedication to the community. This humility, paired with her fierce determination, has made her a trusted advocate for families and a sought-after voice in key forums within community.
Ange is motivated to make a difference and has a strong understanding of groups such as the HALT collective panel, Safe Care and Connect, QATSIPP and other Family Participation committees. She is happy to be part of organisations, such as Kummara and Infinity Community Solutions ltd (ICS) that are actively engaged with these panels and committees, where she can draw on knowledge and resources to benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
Ange works to ensure that she and her team, support the families they walk alongside are equipped to lead the conversation about their future. As an advocate for educating, sees Ange lead her KICS team of support workers under the Family-Led Decision-Making model. Whether it’s educating families about their rights, equipping caseworkers with cultural awareness, or supporting her team to demonstrate self-determination for families, Ange views knowledge as the key to empowerment and systemic change.
“Nothing about us without us,” she says, echoing the foundations for inclusive, family-led decision-making. For Ange, true leadership means quietly listening, asking questions, and staying flexible and creative to meet the needs of children, young people and their families.
For those stepping into leadership roles, Ange offers simple but profound advice:
- Listen and gather facts.
- Prioritise the needs of the child.
- Build relationships, using evidence to advocate for change.
- Lead by example and ensure support filters through all levels of an organisation.
Through her work, Ange has proven that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about action, connection, and integrity. She’s not just changing the lives of children and families; she’s reshaping the system itself, one relationship at a time.
Ange Tyson is a changemaker in every sense of the word—a leader quietly bringing the children home, fosterin
g cultural pride, and championing a future where families stay connected and thrive together.