Denzel James

Environmental advocate

2025 SA Young Australian of the Year Nominee

Denzel James is a young person from Adelaide who is amplifying the voices of young people.  

After witnessing drought, flooding and a lack of clean water in his childhood home of Oodnadatta in far-north South Australia, Denzel decided to encourage others to be climate champions.  

Still in Year 12, his impactful leadership role earned him the prestigious title of one of UNICEF Australia's nine Young Ambassadors, representing his generation at state, national and international forums.  

Denzel has been a strong advocate for managing the effects of climate change and contributed to the National Child and Youth Statement on Climate Change, launched at the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Dubai.  

As a member of the South Australian Student Representative Council, Denzel helped start the ‘Free Fares for Our Future’ campaign, aiming to ensure that the future of every young Australian is safe and vibrant.