For many people, giving isn’t just about financial support — it’s about sharing knowledge, experience and belief in what others can become.
That spirit is at the heart of Young Change Agents and was brought to life through the First Nations Native Food Innovators program delivered in 2024 and 2025.
Led by Young Change Agents in partnership with Em-Power Foundation, the First Nations Native Food Innovators program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 7 to 12 to explore entrepreneurship through the lens of culture, community and native foods.
Students across the state took part in an immersive, hands-on learning program that combined school-based workshops with a youth incubator experience for selected teams.
Students began with cultural immersion alongside local Elders, deepening their understanding of native foods and Country. They were then guided through a Design-Thinking process — from empathy and ideation through to prototyping and pitching — to develop real social enterprise ideas in the native food space. Cultural leadership, respect and co-design were embedded throughout.
Andrew Reilly, Founder and Principal Consultant at Sustainable Value, was part of the Adelaide Youth Incubator where he volunteered as a mentor. This was a chance to give in a meaningful, practical way — listening, encouraging and supporting young people as they refined their ideas and built confidence.
“The teams of young Aboriginal high school students created wonderful ideas for native food products. I loved being able to provide some advice.” — Andrew Reilly, Founder, Sustainable Value & Young Change Agents mentor
That simple contribution — a willingness to show up for young people, ask questions and share valuable experience, is what makes programs like this possible. Mentors help turn curiosity into capability, and ideas into aspiration.
For the students involved, having professionals believe in their thinking reinforces that their voices, culture and innovation matter.
With the support of Em-Power Foundation and volunteers like Andrew, Young Change Agents is helping young people see problems as opportunities, strengthen their connection to culture, and imagine futures where they can lead change in their own communities.
Not all giving is financial — have you considered volunteering? Share your time and skills this SA Giving Week and beyond. Learn more about the many ways you can support your local community.
