Regional young Australians invited to go Heywire

THE ABC’s Heywire competition, now in its 23rd year, is again calling on young people from regional Australia to share their stories.

The competition is open to people aged from 16 to 22 living outside Australia’s big cities.

The ABC will select 40 winners to work with their producers to share stories with audiences on ABC TV, ABC Local Radio, RN, triple j and iview.

Winners will have the opportunity to come together next year to discuss how life could be improved for young people in their communities.

Past winners have used Heywire as a springboard to make positive change, by exploring issues around disengaged young people, access to medical services, youth mental health, careers in agriculture, access to education, environmental care and knowledge of all cultures.

“Being able to use our voices, share our stories and create change, was incredibly valuable and rewarding,” said 2019 Heywire winner Mitchell Agnew from Glenview in Queensland.

“Heywire is one of the best things I have done, and I am excited to see more passionate young people join this community.”

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud encouraged young people to get involved and share their stories.

“Heywire has given young country people a voice that is heard all over the nation,” he said. “In telling their stories, they bring to light the leadership that is within the next generation of rural Australia.”

ABC Director of Regional and Local, Judith Whelan said the Heywire competition was an important platform for young people living in regional and rural Australia to have their voices heard.

“We’re proud to once again be celebrating the stories from a new generation of young Australians – and what inspiring stories they have to tell.”

Heywire 2021 entries can be submitted at abc.net.au/heywire/competition.

The competition closes on 16 September. Entries will be accepted in any medium, including text, video, audio and photography.