2022 NT Youth Round Table biography - Kyle Bambra

Arnhem Land’s Kyle Bambra is a living example that challenges do not have to be barriers to achieving one’s dreams. As a teenager, Kyle had learning difficulties and was disengaged at school. One of his teachers referred him to a healing camp run by a non-profit organisation called the Balunu Foundation. The experience had a profound effect on Kyle completing Year 12 regardless of his disability.

Kyle now mentors Indigenous youth and encourages them to give back to their communities, while teaching them about their culture and choosing the right path in life. Kyle does not let his learning disability stop him from completing his dream to be a qualified hairdresser, and is one of the best students in his traineeship. He is already using his new skills to give back; travelling to remote communities and volunteering with not-for-profit organisations and charities to cut and colour hair for free. In 2021, Kyle received the One Rail Indigenous Achievement Award at the Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards and was a finalist of the 2021 NT Young Australian of the Year Award.

Kyle says:

"My passion is to help my mob to have employment opportunities in their own communities. I work at Deadly Hair Dude to travel to all parts of our great community from Darwin to Alice Springs mentoring young people to choose the right course of life. I work hairdressing to lift the self-esteem and pride of clients who have been through challenges. I am also passionate about reviving Indigenous culture to assist youth stay connected to their culture assisting them to stay out of the criminal justice system."