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ABC Heywire launches 2021 competition

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

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

The ABC will select 40 winners to work with ABC producers to share their 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. 

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

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

The Hon David Littleproud MP,  Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management encourages young people to get involved and share their stories. 

“Heywire has given young country people a voice that is heard all over the nation. 

In telling their stories, they bring to light the leadership that is within the next generation of rural Australia.”    

ABC Director of Regional & 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 via the Heywire website. The competition closes on 16 September 2020. Entries will be accepted of any medium, including text, video, audio and photography.  

Heywire acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment; the Department of Education, Skills and Employment; the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications; the Department of Health; the Department of Social Services and AgriFutures Australia.