Young Changemakers Network SA
The Young Changemakers Network SA empowers young people aged 14 to 17 across South Australia to take collaborative action on issues that matter to them and their communities.
Young Changemakers work alongside the Commissioner for Children and Young People South Australia to develop campaigns, explore ideas and contribute to conversations shaping the future of South Australia.
Whether young people care about mental health, climate justice, education, safety, inclusion, housing, creative expression or community connection, the network is designed to support them to learn, collaborate and take action together.
How the program works
Young Changemakers take part in:
- two full-day Summits each year
- collaborative group work between Summits
- workshops and skill-building opportunities
- conversations with community leaders and decision makers
- youth-led campaigns.
Rather than being organised by region, Changemakers connect through shared interests, experiences and the issues they care most about.
2026 Young Changemakers Network SA Summit 1
The first summit of the 2026 cohort was held on Friday 26th June. Forty-five young people from 10 different regions across South Australia gathered to embark on a year of learning, collaboration and collective action as changemakers. The Summit laid a foundation for building connections, sharing experiences and beginning the process of turning their ideas and concerns into meaningful change.
Rather than being organised by region, campaigns were initiated through the most pressing issues which changemakers believe impact their communities and futures.
This year, there are six campaigns running:
- Third Spaces
- Inclusion and Equity
- Civic Voice
- Cost of Living
- Homelessness
- Safety and Support at Home, School, Community and Online
These Campaigns will guide their collective advocacy and action throughout the year.
Read more about the summit here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be part of the Young Changemakers Network?
The Young Changemakers Network is for young people aged 14-17 living in South Australia.
What do Young Changemakers do?
Young Changemakers work together on issues they care about, connect with other young people from across South Australia and take part in workshops, discussions, projects and campaigns throughout the year.
Participants also attend two full-day Summits.
How are groups organised?
Rather than being organised by region, Changemakers connect through shared interests, ideas and the issues they want to explore together.
Groups and focus areas may evolve throughout the year depending on what participants are passionate about.
How much time does the program involve?
The program includes two full-day Summits across the year, plus monthly online workshops and check-ins in between.
Participants work in groups to plan and run a campaign, stay connected between sessions, and contribute ideas and effort along the way.
On average, involvement is around 1–2 hours per week, depending on the campaign and availability.
Do I need leadership experience to be involved?
No. Young people do not need previous leadership, advocacy or campaigning experience to take part.
The program is designed to support young people to learn new skills, build confidence and explore ways to create change together.
Does it cost anything to participate?
No. The Young Changemakers Network SA is free for all participants.
Any regional travel costs to attend the Summits will be organised and covered by CCYP.
When do applications open for 2027?
What kinds of issues can Young Changemakers work on?
Young Changemakers help shape the focus areas of the program each year by sharing the issues and ideas they are most passionate about.
Together, these ideas are brought into campaign themes that guide the network’s work across the year – with the final decision belonging to participants at Summit One.
The direction of the program is shaped by the young people involved each year.
How can I stay updated?
Updates, ideas and highlights from the Young Changemakers Network will be shared on this page throughout the year. You can also stay connected through The Hub, CCYP’s space for young people in South Australia.
Follow CCYP South Australia on Instagram (@ccyp_sa), Facebook and LinkedIn for news, updates and highlights as the program progresses.
Firefly Children’s Foundation Partnership
The Commissioner for Children and Young People South Australia is pleased to announce a new partnership with Firefly Children’s Foundation to support the inaugural Young Changemakers Network SA.
As part of the partnership, insights gathered from participating young people will also help inform Firefly Children’s Foundation’s future impact grant-making, creating another pathway for young people’s perspectives to influence outcomes for children and young people across South Australia.
Read more about the partnership here.
This page will continue to be updated as the program progresses, with insights, ideas and updates shared throughout the year.