Giving circles are all about people getting together to fund the change they want to see.

These groups of people gather regularly across South Australia and have their own ways of giving money away.

This special event brings two together to pool resources and put money into ideas, projects and communities who are ready to make a difference. For Adelaide Climate Action Week (ACAW), this means we want to know what you’d like to do to act on climate.

Tell us your climate impact idea (and we might give you $1000)

Maybe your climate impact idea or project will be awarded a gift of $1000. If you want to apply for funding, answer the relevant questions when you book your ticket.

Whatever your idea might be about, make sure it’s giving climate ;-)

We are launching with a total of $4000 thanks to the Awesome Foundation Adelaide and Humankind’s Ripple Effect (that’s 4 grants of $1000 each to start). The invitation is open to others to grow the pot (get in touch with Matthew via adelaide@awesomefoundation.org).

The giving circles involved (details below) have ways of deciding where our funds go. We will choose from the list of applications before the big day and on the morning of the event you will be able to learn about what we funded, or maybe even hear from those we fund (or shortlist).

In addition to the funds the giving circles are contributing, we are inviting people to come to the event and chip in. You will see when you book your FREE ticket that we are asking for contributions – these will all go toward an additional ‘people’s choice’ grant. Spaces are limited for this event, so if you’re keen to come and join the fun, book now.

Giving circles involved

The groups listed below have their own processes for regular grants all through the year, so be sure to check them out (when it’s not ACAW):

Awesome Foundation Adelaide

Ripple Effect (hosted by Humankind Studios).

Meet our special guest, Craig Reucassel

We will be joined by Australian writer, comedian, broadcaster and changemaker, Craig Reucassel.

Craig is known to many of us for his work with The Chaser and the game-changing documentary series War on Waste. This witty fellow will share a few anecdotes about his work in the impact sector and what he reckons a climate of giving might – or might not – mean!

More from this theme

Join us for an inspiring evening of celebration, connection and innovation at the 2026 South Australian Climate Leaders Awards, as part of Adelaide Climate Action Week.

These awards recognise individuals, organisations, communities, businesses and government driving real change in response to our changing climate. They showcase innovation, projects and impact, from cutting emissions and driving adaptation to raising awareness and advancing research and education.

Be inspired by our keynote speaker Craig Reucassel, award‑winning comedian, broadcaster and co‑creator of The War on Waste. Craig is known for bringing environmental issues to life with humour, insight and practical solutions, and will share his unique perspective on real‑world climate action. Ticketed https://events.humanitix.com/2026-south-australian-climate-leaders-awards

Join ThincLab and the Innovation & Collaboration Centre at Adelaide University for a relaxed morning tea with a purpose, as part of Adelaide Climate Action Week.

We’ll be unveiling the South Australia Climate Action Map — a living, growing picture of who’s doing what on climate across our state, from energy and transport to waste, agriculture, and adaptation. Over good food and good company, you’ll get to explore what’s already happening in South Australia, add anything we’ve missed, and stick up one thing you’re doing (or planning to do) for the climate.

No expertise required, no pressure, just tea, coffee, conversation, and a chance to be part of building something the whole community can use. Open to the public, students, industry, community groups, and anyone curious about climate action in SA.

The Emerging Leaders Expo is the flagship event for youth at Adelaide Climate Action Week. By young people, for young people.

Young South Australians aged 16-25 are doing serious climate work right now, in classrooms, communities, labs, art studios and on Country. Too often that work goes unseen and unconnected. The Expo exists to change that.

Whether you’re already deep in the climate space or just starting to find your way in, if you’re a young person engaged in or curious about climate action, this evening is for you. Climate action looks different across every community, industry and creative practice and all of it belongs in this room.

What to expect:

A space lined with posters showcasing climate projects led by young South Australians

Real conversations with the people behind the work

Networking games and a collective zine-making table

Mentors from across the climate sector ready to talk about your work, your ideas and what comes next, whether that’s a new collaborator, a pathway into the sector, or simply knowing you’re not doing this alone.

The format prioritises lateral connection over hierarchy. There is no main stage and no keynote. No polished pitch required.

The exhibited posters will be captured in a permanent digital archive on the ACAW website, giving visibility to the incredible work already being done by young people across this state.

To register as an attendee select the General Admission ticket option

Want to share your climate work, project or passion area? Submit an EOI to be part of the poster exhibition by selecting the Exhibit a poster EOI ticket type.

Your poster can be about you and the climate work you’re doing, or about one specific project you’ve built, run, researched or made. This is about using your poster to inspire, teach and engage with peers who share your passion, and to catalyse more connections, projects and energy on climate action. Posters do not have to be fancy! They are a reference for discussion.

In the lead up to the Emerging Leaders Expo we will be providing support for those making posters including examples and an in person poster making a working bee, as well as being available to chat and answer any of your questions.

At the Emerging Leaders Expo there will be a designated period of time for those who have submitted posters to stand beside their poster and chat about their work as guests move through the space.

This event is supported by MOD. and the Environment Institute. We’re so grateful for MOD. generously hosting us, and for the Environment Institute’s support in bringing this event to life.

Venue Access

Entry to the building is from North Terrace, includes ramp and stairs options.

The Beast exhibit is located on level 1, and the BEGINNINGS exhibition is located across the ground floor and level 1, which is accessible via stairs and elevator.

Toilets are located on the ground floor and include male, female and disabled toilets.

Some seating is available in the galleries.

For more information about the building’s accessibility, please visit: https://mod.org.au/home/visit/access-inclusion/

Climate change and disasters place disproportionate pressures on women, who often shoulder increased caring responsibilities while playing leading roles in community recovery and resilience. Despite this, women remain underrepresented in climate, disaster and energy transition decision-making.

This discussion will enable a mixed audience of experts, advisers to government and those interested in climate resilience and/or gender equity to examine the intersections of gender, care, and the renewable energy transition — helping identify risks, opportunities and practical policy solutions that:

Strengthen Communities: Build resilience across regional and metropolitan South Australia

Improve Equity: Address underrepresentation in climate and energy decision making

Maximise Benefits: Unlock the social and economic potential of climate action in SA

Join South Australia’s most dynamic founders, investors and industry leaders for an afternoon of capital conversations, climate & clean tech innovation, and meaningful connections.

Delivered by the Department of State Development through the Innovation Leaders Network (ILN) as part of Adelaide Climate Action Week, this event brings together high‑growth startups and investors, including interstate venture capital firms, to explore funding pathways and showcase South Australia’s strengths in climate, energy and sustainability innovation.

Whether you’re seeking investment, exploring emerging technologies, or looking to expand your network, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the people, ideas and capital shaping South Australia’s clean economy.

We encourage you to register for both sessions to gain the most value. If you wish to attend both, please select both ticket types when registering. For enquiries, email: RIFcontact@sa.gov.au

Hosted by the Adelaide University Greens Club and Adelaide University Film Society, a screening of the latest Bob Brown Foundation film documentary on Takayna, Australia’s largest temperate rainforest.

Location; Union Cinema, (Level 5, Union House) Adelaide Univeristy City, East Campus

Doors: 6:30pm

Movie start time: 7pm

The film lasts for approximately 45 minutes but we will have time for an intermission and a discussion about the content of the documentary afterwards.

About the Film (extracted from the official website for the movie)

Through the power of personal stories, be taken on a journey to the vast and threatened landscapes of Australia’s largest temperate rainforest in northwest Lutruwita / Tasmania.

This area, known as Takayna / Tarkine, is one of the last wild places on Earth.

‘Takayna — the Heart of Lutruwita’ is an inspiring and hopeful film about the battle to defend Takayna from mining and logging.

These people are fighting for its protection, and you can as well

Bring your friends and come along to this wonderful event to raise awareness on climate conservation.