Nathan Bishop

Nathan Bishop is a young community leader from South Australia who founded PALS to help people facing difficult circumstances. What began as a small group of school friends has grown into a youth-led initiative supporting causes including palliative care and youth mental health.Nathan started the group in 2023 to honour three of his uncles who had received care at The Mary Potter Hospice. Together with fellow students, he began raising funds for The Mary Potter Foundation, which supports patients and families receiving palliative and end-of-life care.In 2024, Nathan organised the first Annual Pals Walk as part of a Year 10 school project. He planned the event, worked with his school and community partners, and brought together more than 50 participants. The walk raised funds for The Mary Potter Foundation and became the group’s first original fundraising initiative.Since then, PALS has broadened its focus and taken part in initiatives supporting youth mental health, including Laps for Life, which raises funds for ReachOut Australia. The group has also introduced a development program for secondary students in Years 7, 8 and 9, giving younger members opportunities to contribute to the organisation and develop their leadership.Through PALS, Nathan has brought young people together around a shared commitment to community service. His work shows how an idea developed at school can grow into practical support for others.