A movement built by young people, for young people.

The Co-Exist Story

Co-Exist was founded on a simple but powerful idea: when young people connect with nature, they step up to protect it.

Kurt Jones, Co-Exist’s founder, knows this firsthand. Growing up in a low-income area, he struggled to find direction, often feeling disconnected from both his community and the natural world. He was expelled from multiple primary schools and enrolled in a secondary school designed for disengaged youth. It was there that he was first introduced to outdoor programs—an experience that would change his life. Surrounded by the raw beauty of nature, Kurt discovered a deep sense of purpose, resilience, and a passion for conservation.

As part of his high school journey, Kurt began shaping what would later become Co-Exist—a project that gave him a sense of ownership, meaning, and vision for the future. What started as a school initiative quickly grew into something bigger.

With a newfound love for the environment, Kurt threw himself into conservation work, taking on roles in wildlife restoration projects and environmental education programs. But he noticed a gap—there weren’t enough spaces designed for young people to take the lead in conservation, to feel like they truly belonged in the movement. He wanted to change that.

In 2022, Kurt formally launched Co-Exist with a bold vision: to create a nationwide movement where young Australians could reconnect with nature, take real climate action, and build stronger communities. What started as a grassroots initiative quickly gained momentum. More and more young people were drawn to the idea of Collectives—local groups where they could get involved in hands-on conservation, make an impact, and form lasting friendships along the way.

Today, Co-Exist is a thriving community of passionate young leaders, with Collectives across Australia leading conservation efforts in their cities and towns. The organisation continues to grow, fuelled by the belief that when young people are empowered to take action, they don’t just protect the planet—they transform their own lives in the process.