More than 80 young leaders from communities across South Australia came together for the 2026 Young Citizens Leadership Forum, an afternoon focused on connection, leadership and turning ideas into meaningful action.
From Port Augusta to Victor Harbor and communities in between, Young Citizen of the Year recipients gathered at LGA South Australia to share their experiences, discuss the issues that matter to them and build connections with other young people already making a difference in their communities.
Hosted by ADCSA, the forum provided a space for young leaders to learn from one another, hear from inspiring Australians and consider how they could take what they had learnt back into their own communities.
Leadership, resilience and taking action
Attendees heard from Nedd Brockmann, 2026 Young Australian of the Year, and Julie Inman Grant PSM, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, who shared their perspectives on leadership, resilience, embracing challenge and having the confidence to take action.
Nedd spoke about the power of determination, setting ambitious goals and using personal challenges to create positive impact for others.
Julie brought a different perspective, encouraging young leaders to think about the responsibility that comes with leadership in an increasingly digital world and the role they can play in creating safer, more respectful and connected communities.
Together, their insights encouraged participants to think beyond personal achievement and consider how leadership can be used to create meaningful change for others.
Turning ideas into community impact
A key focus of the forum was what happens next.
Young leaders worked together to consider how they could take the ideas, insights and connections from the day and apply them within their own towns, councils and communities.
With participants representing communities from across metropolitan and regional South Australia, the forum highlighted the diverse ways young people are already contributing to their communities and the potential for those ideas to have an even greater impact when shared and strengthened through collaboration.
A special reception at Government House
Following the forum, participants travelled to Government House, where they were welcomed by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, for a special reception.
The reception provided a memorable conclusion to the day, giving young leaders the opportunity to celebrate their achievements, continue conversations and reflect on the contribution they are making across South Australia.
The Young Citizens Leadership Forum is an important part of ADCSA’s commitment to supporting young people to grow their confidence, strengthen their networks and recognise the impact they can have within their communities.
A special thank you to Jess Adamson for expertly MCing the forum and bringing warmth and energy to the conversation throughout the afternoon.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to our valued sponsors LGA South Australia and MGA Insurance Group for supporting the 2026 Young Citizens Leadership Forum, and to every young leader who travelled from across the state to be part of such a valuable day.
