Young people across the Griffith region are being invited to step up and make a difference through an upcoming leadership development initiative that promises to inspire the next generation of changemakers.

The Griffith Changemakers Forum, a collaborative effort between Griffith City Council and Sonder Youth, will bring together aspiring leaders aged 12 to 24 for an intensive two-day program designed to ignite their passion for positive community change.

Scheduled for Saturday 16 and Sunday August 17 at the Griffith Regional Sports Centre, the forum represents a significant investment in the region's youth development, offering participants the opportunity to engage with leadership challenges, practical changemaking workshops, team-building activities, and facilitated discussion groups.

The program is specifically designed to help young people discover practical pathways for creating social change, develop strategies for implementing meaningful improvements within their communities, and understand how individuals can become catalysts for the positive transformation they wish to see.

"This initiative is fundamentally about supporting the voices and visions of our region's young people," explained Council's Youth Development Officer, Charli Scott.

"It provides them with a valuable opportunity to develop essential skills, collaborate with like-minded peers, and explore how they can contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive future for our community."

The forum removes traditional barriers to participation by offering free attendance, with all meals included throughout the two-day program.

Recognising that young people from across the broader region may wish to participate, accommodation will also be provided for attendees travelling from outside Griffith.

This comprehensive approach ensures that geographic location and financial constraints do not prevent motivated young people from accessing this leadership development opportunity. The forum represents a tangible commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering the leadership capabilities that will shape the region's future.

By bringing together diverse perspectives from across the region's youth demographic, the Changemakers Forum aims to create an environment where innovative thinking can flourish and collaborative solutions to community challenges can emerge.

For young people seeking to develop their leadership capabilities and learn practical approaches to community engagement, the forum offers an intensive learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on application.

The initiative reflects a broader recognition of the vital role young people play in driving positive social change and the importance of providing them with the tools, networks, and confidence to translate their ideas into meaningful action.