Co-Exist Australia

Co-Exist Australia is a national youth-led movement empowering the next generation to reconnect with nature, build stronger communities, and lead meaningful environmental change. Our mission is to engage young people aged 17–25 in place-based, nature-focused activities that improve wellbeing, foster community connection, and protect our natural environment.

Our vision is a healthier, more resilient planet led by socially connected, environmentally conscious young Australians. We achieve this through our unique “Collectives” model—local groups of young volunteers who design and lead community-based projects such as tree plantings, cleanups, citizen science walks, and social events. Each ‘Collective’ is supported with leadership training, mentoring, and a national network that shares resources, inspiration, and peer support.

Since launching in 2022, Co-Exist has expanded rapidly in response to community demand. We’ve grown from one to nine Collectives across Australia, including in Perth, Hobart, Brisbane, and Cairns. In the last year alone, our young leaders have engaged over 1,750 participants, removed more than 2.6 tonnes of waste, and planted 15,000 native trees and shrubs.
In a time when youth face rising mental health challenges and declining connection to nature, Co-Exist offers a powerful solution that builds purpose, belonging, and impact. We are driven by the belief that young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow—they’re already leading today. We are a registered not-for-profit organisation committed to expanding our reach and creating long-term social and environmental change, one community at a time.

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