Empowering Rural Youth To Lead Local Change

Not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in rural communities have been encouraged to work with local young people to adopt or adapt one of the six project ideas developed at this year’s ABC Heywire Youth Summit.

The ideas emerged in response to the concerns identified as being most current and critical for youth in remote, rural and regional Australia.

Funded through the (Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal) FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program, grants of up to $10,000 are available to kickstart initiatives that promote equitable access to local services and foster a sense of belonging and connection to peers and to the land.

The six ideas developed by the 35 young Summit participants during the week-long youth leadership and skills development event are:

• Bussin’: How might we create more accessible transport options for young people in regional and rural communities?
• MEE (Mentoring Educating Empowering): How might we close the gap in accessing quality education for young people in regional, rural and remote communities?
• A Place for You: HOw might we improve accessibility to mental health service in remote and regional areas of Australia?
• The Bigger Picture: How can we empower young people in regional towns to celebrate their differences and foster connection among themselves?
• Safe Sphere: How might we ensure that young people in regional and remote communities receive relevant and comprehensive sexual education?
• Youth 2 Grassroots: How might we promote a stronger connection between individuals and their land by fostering a culture of environmental protection and stewardship?

There is $!00,000 in funding available nationally, thanks to the generous support of The Sally Foundation, David Mactaggart Foundation and primate donors.

FRRR’s People Portfolio Lead Deb Samuels said the Foundation’s long-term partnership with ABC had led to significant outcomes for young people and communities.

“Having run the Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program for 12 years, we have been lucky enough to witness the impact that these young leaders, their ideas, and the funded projects have had on rural Australia,” Ms Samuels said.

“From mental health first aid training and career open days, to events that foster social and cultural connection and understanding, each project ensures young people have an active role in fostering a place that they are proud to call home.”

ABC Director News Justin Stevens said the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program empowered young people to turn their ideas into reality.

“The ideas generated at the ABC Heywires Summit are developed by young people in regional communities, for young people,” Mr Stevens said.

“The grants that contribute to this help provide remote, rural, and regional communities a tangible means for encouraging the next generation of leaders to have a voice and act on issues that matter to them and their peers.”

To date, more than $1.5 million in community and philanthropic investment has helped to fund more than 190 projects in more than 142 communities.

Applications close at 5 pm AEST Wednesday, May 29.

Recipients will be announced in August.

More information about the six ideas is available at https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/grants, and more information about the available grants can be found on FRRR's website at https://frrr.org.au/heywire-youth-innovation-grants/.

• Topics:

• Grant / Funding
• Youth