Across the Y in Australia, young leaders are stepping forward to shape solutions that strengthen communities, empower other young people and build a more just world. Change Agent Cohort 6.0 is a powerful example of what happens when young people are trusted to lead, innovate and bring their ideas to life.
Together, the eight Change Agents in cohort 6.0 are collectively advancing the YMCA’s Vision 2030 pillars of Community Wellbeing, Just World, Meaningful Work and Sustainable Planet (and a number of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals) through a diverse set of youth-led initiatives. Their projects address real challenges faced by communities across the Y network, while creating opportunities for learning, leadership and collaboration.
From safeguarding and healthy eating to youth storytelling and volunteer leadership, each project contributes to building stronger systems that centre young people’s experiences and perspectives.
Meet the Change Agent Projects:
Our Change Agents represent a powerful mix of lived experiences, ideas and perspectives from communities across Australia. Behind each project is a story, shaped by real challenges, bold thinking and a determination to create something better.
Together, they show what’s possible when young people are trusted to lead.
I Can Toolkit – Safeguarding in Practice
Y Queensland
The I Can Toolkit focuses on strengthening safeguarding in Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) environments by translating policy into everyday practice. This project equips educators with practical tools to confidently support children to understand safety, boundaries, and their right to speak up.
By embedding safeguarding into daily interactions, the toolkit supports safer environments for children while building educator confidence and capability.
STRIDE – Find Your Y, Move Your Way
Y South Australia
STRIDE is a community movement initiative designed to encourage people to engage in joyful, meaningful movement in ways that work for them.
Co-designed with young people and community members, STRIDE removes barriers to participation by focusing on flexibility, accessibility, and personal choice. Through events, challenges, and community engagement, the project promotes physical wellbeing while strengthening connection.
CoNet
Y Western Australia
CoNet (Young Staff Co-Design Partnership Program) creates a structured way for young staff to contribute to the design of programs and services across Y WA.
By establishing a pool of young staff advisors, the project embeds youth perspectives into decision-making processes and strengthens collaboration across teams. It also provides leadership development opportunities for young staff, building confidence and capability.
Coach Connect – Youth Parliament Mentorship
Y NSW
Coach Connect is a structured mentorship program designed to support Youth Parliament Taskforce volunteers, known as “Taskies,” to grow as leaders and feel more connected to the organisation.
By pairing volunteers with Y NSW leaders over a twelve-week mentorship journey, the program creates space for personal and professional growth, leadership development, and stronger intergenerational connection. It also directly addresses challenges around volunteer retention and engagement.
Everyday Food Explorers
Y Victoria
Everyday Food Explorers supports children to build positive relationships with food through curiosity, education, and hands-on experiences in OSHC settings.
The program focuses on making healthy eating accessible and engaging, helping young people develop lifelong habits that support their wellbeing. It also introduces elements of sustainability and food awareness, encouraging children to think about where their food comes from and how it impacts the world around them.
Heart to Heart Series
Y Northern Territory
The Heart to Heart Series is a youth-led storytelling initiative that creates space for young people to share their experiences, perspectives, and stories in authentic and meaningful ways.
Through video and creative storytelling, the project amplifies youth voice, builds connection, and fosters understanding across communities. It highlights the power of storytelling as a tool for social change and belonging.
The Y Base Bungendore
Y Canberra
The Y Base Bungendore project focuses on strengthening connection and belonging for young people in a regional community. By creating a dedicated space and opportunities for engagement, the initiative supports young people to feel more connected to where they live and to each other.
This project responds to the unique challenges faced by regional communities, including access to safe, inclusive spaces and opportunities for participation.
Connection Camp Blueprint
Y Whittlesea
The Connection Camp Blueprint is focused on developing a model for camps that strengthen connection, safety, and belonging for children and young people, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding and inclusion.
Rather than delivering a single program, this project creates a scalable blueprint that can be adopted across services. It brings together research, lived experience, and practical design to support safe and meaningful camp experiences.
Investing in the next generation of leaders
At its core, the Change Agent program is about investing in future leadership. By supporting young people to identify challenges, design solutions, and test new ideas, the program builds confidence, capability, and connection.
Cohort 6.0 shows what is possible when young people are placed at the centre. Their work is already strengthening programs, deepening community connection, and influencing how the Y shows up for young people across the country.
As these projects evolve, they will continue to shape services, inform decision-making, and influence the systems young people move through every day.