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.

Person walking on a forest path wearing a light-colored fleece jacket and dark pants.
Icon of mountains with magnifying glass representing image search or exploration.

Our Mission

Creating communities and experiences that facilitate recreation, education and conservation, enabling a feeling of explore and protect.

Icon of hands holding a circle with three people and a heart inside, symbolizing community support.

Our Vision

Inspiring generations to co-exist with wildlife and wild places, improving the well-being of people and planet.

Our Board

  • Portrait of a smiling man in a suit and tie against a brown background.

    Eliot Sanger

    CHAIR

  • Bald man wearing a blue shirt with framed artwork in the background

    David Mackenzie

    TREASURER

  • Smiling person in a beige sweater standing in a modern indoor setting with plants in the background.

    Natalie Kulakoff

    SECRETARY

  • Portrait of a woman with long blond hair wearing a light purple shirt, standing indoors in front of framed pictures.

    Linda Barnes

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Smiling woman with dark hair wearing a black sleeveless top against a green background.

    Genevieve Deaconos

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Man wearing a white Orange Sky Australia t-shirt, smiling, with an orange vehicle blurred in the background.

    Nicholas Marchesi

    BOARD MEMBER

Our Team

  • A person in a light-colored fleece sweater with a forest background.

    Kurt Jones

    FOUNDER & CEO

  • Smiling woman in black sleeveless top with long hair and necklaces, standing outdoors with blurred trees in background.

    Karin Traeger

    FUNDRAISING & PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

  • Person in white t-shirt leaning on a rail in a garden with green plants and trees in the background.

    Matt Pascoe

    OPERATIONS SUPPORT OFFICER

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling woman in a sleeveless top with long hair, standing outdoors.

    Charlie Bennett

    ADMIN OFFICER

Our Collective Leaders

  • Person smiling outdoors wearing a black tank top, holding a stick with a gloved hand, sunglasses perched on head, blurred greenery in the background.

    Jamie Earl

    SUNSHINE COAST LEADER

  • Portrait of a smiling person with long blonde hair and a nose ring, against a white background.

    Jorja Warren

    CAIRNS LEADER

  • Close-up of a person with long hair and a slight smile, wearing a dark jacket, standing outdoors with trees in the background.

    Ben Phythian

    GOLD COAST LEADER

  • Smiling person in front of green foliage, wearing a necklace and earrings.

    Pia Finn

    PERTH LEADER

  • Person wearing a red sweater and scarf standing in front of greenery.

    Nick Fallaw

    MELBOURNE LEADER

  • Smiling person with short brown hair and a beard

    Sam Lundberg

    MELBOURNE LEADER

  • Young woman with long blonde hair standing in front of green foliage, wearing a necklace and earrings, smiling slightly.

    Keely De Klerk

    BYRON BAY LEADER

  • Portrait of a person with curly hair smiling.

    Stuti Govil

    BRISBANE LEADER

  • Person smiling while hiking in a forest with a backpack.

    Alyssa Head

    HOBART LEADER

Be part of the change.

Every action counts, and together we can create a lasting impact for people and the planet.