ABC Heywire Program

Overview

ABC Heywire is an annual competition that invites young regional, rural and remote Australians aged 18-22 years to share their local stories, ideas and experiences though national media platforms. The ABC Heywire program also includes the Trailblazer sub-program, supporting approximately 20 young innovators aged 18-28 years who are already working on social, educational or economic development projects in their regional communities to further develop their ideas.  Competition winners for the Heywire program and the Trailblazers program are selected by ABC Heywire producers, who work with the winners to produce high-quality media content featured on the ABC’s national networks, including ABC radio, ABC TV, ABC iView and social media. This raises awareness of health and wellbeing issues impacting young people and their communities.   Winners are invited to present their stories at the Regional Youth Summit hosted at Parliament House, Canberra. As well as the winners, the Summit gathers ABC staff, and representatives from funding departments and across the government, and includes a Gala Dinner. The grant specifically covers the Summit’s delivery, including return flights and accommodation for approximately 35 ABC Heywire winners and 20 Trailblazer winners.  This Program aims to empower young leaders driving regional development to expand their winning proposals and implement locally grown solutions to community issues.  To view the grant opportunity documents, please select the red "Grant Opportunity Documents" button on the left-hand side.