2019 Youth Innovation - frrr.org.au · 4 209 1 YOUTH INNOVATION GRANTS GUIDE About Heywire The ABC Heywire Competition The annual Heywire competition invites regional youth to join

7 Ideas from the Heywire Regional Youth Summit$100,000 IN GRANTS - APPLY NOW!

Grants Guide2019 Youth Innovation

2 2019 YOUTH INNOVATION GRANTS GUIDE

Heywire PartnersHaving sponsored Heywire from its inception in 1998, the Australian Government continues to be a major

supporter of the program through the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources; the Department of

Health; the Department of Social Services; the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and

Cities; and AgriFutures Australia. FRRR and its donor partners support Heywire through the contribution

of funding and administration of the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program.

Contents

About Heywire 4

My Heywire Summit 6

THE IDEASA C.E.O. Conquer Every Opportunity 8

B Walk and Talk 10

C Shed Happens 12

D Our Place 14

E Ask Away 16

F Adulting 18

G Bridge 20

2019 Grant Guidelines 22

Grants in Action 24

Trailblazers 26

How can we make life better for young people living in regional Australia?

2019 YOUTH INNOVATION GRANTS GUIDE 3

At the 2019 Heywire Regional Youth Summit,

50 young people from across Australia set out

to answer this question.

By sharing their personal stories, these young

leaders identified the most pressing issues they

face across regional Australia.

They deliberated and then developed potential

solutions to combat these issues including

transitioning to independence; connecting

disengaged young people to regional services;

starting a business; youth mental health;

connecting consumers and farmers; and,

celebrating difference in our communities.

These seven project ideas are both practical

and inspired.

This booklet provides an overview of each idea,

along with stories from the young innovators

behind them.

Apply for a Grant. Make a Change.

The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)

and its donor partners offer more than $100,000 in

seed funding annually to help at least ten groups

make these innovative ideas a reality. If you think

one of the ideas could spark positive change in your

community, apply for up to $10,000 to kick-start the

project in your community.

More information on the application process can be

found on page 23. Access FRRR's Grants Gateway via

abc.net.au/heywire and start your application today.

Applications close May 14, 2019.

http://abc.net.au/heywire


About HeywireThe ABC Heywire Competition

The annual Heywire competition invites

regional youth to join the national

conversation. It asks people aged

16 to 22 living in rural, regional or remote

Australia to share their story.

Entries for this year’s competition are

open until September 16, 2019.

Who will you encourage to enter?

Young voices on the ABCEach Heywire winner works with

ABC staff to transform their story

into a high-quality TV or radio piece.

This year’s stories continue to paint a

diverse picture of young people living

in rural, regional and remote Australia.

Enjoy them all at abc.net.au/heywire.

TrailblazersOutstanding young leaders who are

creating positive change in regional

Australia are chosen annually to attend

the Heywire Summit. Their innovative

projects tackle issues such as

strengthening Indigenous culture,

student literacy skills and mental health

peer support. In this booklet you will find

some of their inspiring ideas.

Find out more on page 26.



The Heywire Regional Youth SummitCompetition winners and Trailblazers

are rewarded with an all-expenses-paid

trip to the annual Heywire Summit

held each February in Canberra.

Trailblazers work on taking their existing

change-making projects to the next level.

The Winners develop exciting new

solutions to improve the lives of young

people in regional Australia.

These ideas are showcased from page 8.

FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants

Not-for-profit community organisations

across rural, regional and remote

Australia are invited to apply for a share

in more than $100,000 from our grants

program partner FRRR, to create

positive change. If you think your

community could benefit, apply for

a grant of up to $10,000.

Full details on page 22 or at

abc.net.au/heywire.

The ABC is proud to create a platform for young people to be heard and shape the national conversation, through Heywire.

It’s inspiring to see how each year’s Heywirers use this springboard to positively influence their peers and make their

communities even better places to grow up.

David Anderson, A/ABC Managing Director



My Heywire SummitFor six rather chilly and windy days in February 2019, the nation’s capital was taken over by some remarkable individuals from across the country to develop ideas that would shape communities all around Australia.

We were all here for a purpose; we each had a life-defining story to share.

However, we were all more than just our story. This was Heywire.

For weeks beforehand, we had been packing, thinking and listening, trying

to gauge what on earth we had gotten ourselves into. At first the thought

of spending an entire week amongst complete strangers was daunting.

There was no way to know what to expect. However, as every new group

arrived, the nerves and “what ifs” were slowly set aside, allowing comfort

and excitement to settle in their place.

We shared stories for days, developed concepts like crazy, and worked with

each other to form ideas that provided potential resolutions surrounding

issues that concerned youth in rural and regional areas.

With our mentors by our sides and a gaggle of newfound friends for support,

we delved to the heart of both our individual struggles and those of our

wider communities. As one, we divided in an effort to conquer the fears,

failings and pitfalls of rural and regional Australia.

But it wasn’t just all hard work and no play for us Heywirers. While in the

capital, we took in the city’s sights (at 20km/h, on segways), networked with

FRRR and Government partners (who received a rockstar welcome), met

with the Governor General (who has an amazing study) and explored around

the astounding (and incredibly busy) Parliament House. Heywire was an

incredible experience, one that we want to come back to, again and again.

We all worked with passion to develop ideas that can be adopted and

implemented in local communities. These ideas were formed by our unique

experiences; now it’s your chance to take them on in your own community.

By Maddi Pettigrove and Saul Beatty



When I started foster caring animals, I realised how little education there was about the incredible biodiversity that existed in our region. That experience made me want to start my own business, but I had no idea how much work it would take. Having something like the C.E.O. starter kit would have made things much easier.

Ebony Williams, Pemberton, WA

We’ve experienced first-hand how hard it can be to start a new business - particularly if you’re a young person branching out into the business world for the first time.

There is a labyrinth of logistical and administrative tasks that can seem

overwhelming, to the point they can even deter young people from pursuing

their entrepreneurial goals.

C.E.O. stands for Conquer Every Opportunity. It is a start-up kit that aims

to help young rural and regional Australians who want to start their own

business, but don’t know how.

It could include vital and practical start-up information on cards, like

how to get a Tax File Number, register an Australian Business Name,

and organise a work email address.

The kit could also include a number of other helpful tools for budding

business owners, like a Skype gift voucher, coffee satchels, stress ball

and tie.

In rural, regional and remote areas where jobs can be scarce and

unemployment high, young people will be able to earn an income

while remaining in their communities, surrounded by family, friends

and support networks.

We strongly believe the C.E.O. starter kit will give young entrepreneurs the

confidence and resources to start and succeed in their own businesses.

IDEA A B C D E F G

How might we help young people start businesses?

C.E.O. Conquer Every Opportunity


The Team

Apply for a grant now!Our idea could be run by local councils, Chambers of Commerce

or even schools, which could distribute the C.E.O. starter kits via

community groups for young people to access.

To help adapt this idea and make it a reality in your community, apply

for an FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grant of up to $10,000. Apply

via the online portal at abc.net.au/heywire. Applications close May 14.

I started a business when I was 12 because I wanted to earn

some money to help my single parent family. But I didn’t know how. Even when I finally got my

first call to mow someone’s lawn, I still had no idea what to

do. I think the C.E.O. starter kit would have really helped.

Aidyn Loveday, Wellington East, SA

Megan Stephens (Cummins, SA), Aidyn Loveday

(Wellington East, SA), Ebony Williams (Pemberton, WA),

Jessica Barosa (Ellangowan, NSW)

The Team



IDEA A B C D E F G

We want you to know that mental health is a major issue among young Australians in rural, regional and remote areas.

We know firsthand that mental illness can be an isolating experience,

and many people feel too shy, embarrassed or self-conscious to seek

out traditional coping methods, like counselling.

For those who do, sitting in an office face-to-face with a professional in

a formal environment can be a little daunting.

Walk & Talk is about getting students out of the classroom and into the

Australian bush.

By creating an alternative setting, we hope young people will be able to

open up about their mental health concerns, without fear of judgement.

The Walk & Talk program would give students the opportunity to pick

from various outdoor activities and would be facilitated by mental health

professionals who also have their own lived experience of mental illness.

We believe the process of talking about what’s on young peoples’ minds

in an alternative setting, will allow them to be more open to conversations

surrounding mental health and encourage help-seeking behaviours.

We hope that by the end of the program, students feel the difference

in themselves.

How might we encourage conversations about mental health in a safe and relaxed environment?

Much of my life has revolved around body image and eating disorders. I went to different psychologists but felt stuck after many failed attempts at recovery. Finally, I moved to a new school that does nature walks, and it helped enormously. I think it’s easier to talk to someone when you’re walking alongside them instead of in an office.

Kate Beranic, Woodend, VIC

Walk & Talk


Throughout my life mental ill-health has been a constant. At times I’ve felt so overwhelmed with hopelessness that I’ve lacked motivation for anything. I'm passionate about our idea ‘Walk and Talk’ because it provides an alternative environment outside a confined office space. It also generates a sense of community and belonging within the Australian bush.

Janaya Hennesy Nowra, NSW

Apply for a grant now!Our idea could be adopted by educational organisations and

implemented through physical education curriculums. It could

also be rolled out through mental health service providers, youth

or health organisations.

To make this idea a reality in your community, apply for an FRRR ABC

Heywire Youth Innovation Grant of up to $10,000. Apply via the online

portal at abc.net.au/heywire. Applications close May 14.

Naomi Cobcroft (Canberra, ACT), Janaya Hennesy (Nowra, NSW), Jackie Bayley (Dubbo, NSW), Biftu Reggasa (Hobart, TAS), Kate Beranic (Woodend, VIC), Emily Kunz (Geelong, VIC), Charline Marom (Toowoomba, QLD)

The Team



IDEA A B C D E F G

We come from outback WA and North Queensland and can tell you that Australia is a big and diverse country.

So it’s no surprise some confusion exists about what life is really like for

farmers living in rural, regional or remote Australia.

Often the only way those living in metropolitan areas can gain a glimpse

of farming life is through the filters of news or social media.

Through Shed Happens, we want to remove those filters, and give people

all over the country direct access and insight into the lives of everyday

farmers.

In doing so, we also hope to give farmers an unfiltered mouthpiece to the

public, allowing them to share their stories, as well as addressing any

misconceptions.

Shed Happens is an online video series that shows life on the farm and

gives audiences the opportunity to ask questions they’ve never been

able to ask before.

The pre-recorded videos or live streams could be shown through a new

or existing website, a social media site or via an app.

We believe education and understanding is the best way to create

policies that benefit the whole country.

How might we help people understand what really happens on the farm?

Shed Happens

I am part of the next generation of shearers. My family farm was turned into crops when I was young, but my long term goal is to bring sheep back into the mix. I think some people don’t realise how much farmers care for our animals. With Shed Happens, people who have never stepped foot on a farm can understand what’s truly going on.

Kurt Richards, Dowerin, WA


Apply for a grant now!Our idea could be adopted by agricultural or educational organisations.

The platform could be a new or existing website or a smartphone app.

We would like to see young farmers feature in the pilot episodes and be

involved in the process of planning and making the videos.

To help make this idea a reality in your community, apply for an FRRR ABC

Heywire Youth Innovation Grant of up to $10,000. Apply via the online

portal at abc.net.au/heywire. Applications close May 14.

Last year was tough for my family. The wheat crop struggled through drought, but I was grateful the sheep were happy,

healthy and worth a lot of money. Talk of a ban on live sheep exports changed that. My family rely on exports

for our main source of income. I believe Shed Happens could have given my family a voice in that difficult time.

Kassidy Fuller, Bullfinch, WA.

Kassidy Fuller (Bullfinch, WA), Alexander Rajagopalan

(Bruce Rock, WA), Kurt Richards (Dowerin, WA),

Hayden Di Bella (Ingham, QLD)

The Team



IDEA A B C D E F G

We live in rural, regional and remote communities all over Australia, and often they can lack a safe, free and practical space for young people to hang out.

It can lead to boredom, frustration and crime for some young people

who may not have anywhere to go after school and in the evenings.

Our Place would be a safe, physical space where young people between

12-18 can meet, socialise and do homework, if they need to.

It could involve refurbishing existing buildings or spaces that aren’t being

utilised to their full potential. It could build on the work of organisations

that are already doing great things in our communities, such as Lions

clubs or Rotary.

Our Place would stay open into the evening, when other youth centres close.

It would also have free and unlimited Wi-Fi access, for those wanting to

study, research or unwind.

We also want to incorporate a community social calendar. This would

include events like colour runs, food festivals or drive-in cinema nights,

where young people can feel connected, engaged and passionate about

their local communities.

We believe that a space like Our Place for young rural and regional

Australians would not only reduce youth crime, but also generate a

better sense of belonging and engagement between young people

and their communities.

How might we connect young people in rural communities?

Our Place

Dancing is my passion, but it’s been a difficult one to pursue in

a small town with limited opportunities and space to be able

to teach, practice and perform. Our Place would be perfect for

young people wanting to hone their skills. I know there is a lot

of young talent in rural and regional Australia – they just need

a place to nurture it.

Ivan Reyes, Stratford, VIC


I've seen kids as young as 13 walking around my community high. 'Our Place' would get youth off the streets and away from drugs and alcohol. I’d love for young people to have a safe space with great activities where they could be themselves.

Raymond Binsiar, Buttah Windee, WA

Apply for a grant now!Our idea could be run in conjunction with local councils, libraries,

youth and community groups.

To help make this idea a reality in your community, apply for an FRRR

ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grant of up to $10,000. Apply via the

online portal at abc.net.au/heywire. Applications close May 14.

Raymond Binsiar (Buttah Windee, WA), Lauren Paynter

(Nyah, VIC), Elka Devney (Moree, NSW), Claudia Cox

(Sea Lake, VIC), Ivan Reyes (Stratford, VIC)

The Team



IDEA A B C D E F G

When questions aren’t answered, it leads to assumptions. Which then leads to discrimination.

Growing up in rural and regional Australia like we are, being in a minority

group can feel like an isolating experience. There may not be anyone to ask

‘is this normal?’ or ‘what should I do in this situation?’

Our idea is to create an online platform called Ask Away, where people

can ask questions to people of minority groups to spread awareness and

prevent discrimination.

Ask Away would allow those in minority groups to connect with people

who have similar lived experiences. We believe this would help them better

understand themselves, and one day build up the confidence to share their

own story.

Through the website, people would also have the option to ask questions

anonymously. This would help overcome any fears people have about

‘asking a stupid question’ in a small town, were everyone knows everyone.

Ask Away would also include a fact file on minority groups, for anyone who

didn’t want to ask a question.

The initiative could include a dedicated Ask Away Day at schools, where

students would be made to feel comfortable about asking questions of

minority groups.

At its core, Ask Away is a one-stop-shop for breaking down barriers and

gaining a better sense of self, so people won’t feel alone.

How might we get people to ask questions of minority groups that they’re too afraid to ask?

Ask Away

Being vision impaired, discrimination is not something that’s new to me. When I was young, I got bullied for how my eyes looked. But I remember occasions where my friends did ask questions and it helped them to understand. I think Ask Away could be the key to breaking down assumptions and generating compassion.

Brianna Merema, Broome, WA


I get asked questions at my school about being in the LGBTQI+ community because some students don’t know who else to ask. Unfortunately, I can’t always answer every question. But I don’t want them to feel as alone as I did when I was their age, and I think that’s where Ask Away could help.

Maggy Sessions, Nathalia, VIC

Apply for a grant now!Our idea could be adopted by schools, education groups, disability

providers and social organisations.




Maggy Sessions (Nathalia, VIC), Brianna Merema

(Broome, WA), Chloe Parker (Speers Point, NSW),

Maddi Pettigrove-Barr (Pambula Beach, NSW),

Jess Kelly (Grffith, NSW)

The Team



IDEA A B C D E F G

Studies show rural and regional students are less likely to attend university than their metropolitan counterparts. They’re also far more likely to drop out.

While there are several contributing factors, there’s no doubt that leaving

a familiar environment and support networks makes it harder for rural and

regional students to attend university.

Adulting is a program designed to make things a little bit easier for rural

and regional students in transitioning to independence.

It could be delivered as an app, online, or face-to-face and feature tutorials

on basic tasks such as budgeting, insurance and interview preparation.

There would also be helpful and practical information, like recipes on a

budget, instructions for how to change a tyre, and tips for ironing.

Adulting aims to make the transition to adult life easier, by allowing young

people from rural and regional areas who have recently moved out of home

to connect with other students and workers in the same predicament.

By making the transition to independence easier, we hope to improve the

rates of young rural and regional Australians pursuing education or careers

away from home.

How might we help young people adapt to life away from home?

Adulting

I’ve just moved out of home and it has been a big shock. I’ve spent countless hours searching the internet for tips and information on things like budgeting, cooking and housework. I'd love to see an app where young people can access quality information about life skills in one place.

Sam Watson, Ulverstone, TAS


I’m 17 and live in a small community that’s mainly my family mob. I was recently diagnosed with MELAS syndrome which affects my heart. I may never live by myself because of my health but it would be great to learn more life skills so that I can do more things for myself and be more independent.

Max Alpin, Kowrowa, QLD

Apply for a grant now!Our idea could be run by universities, schools, youth groups or

community organisations. Once the program is developed, these

groups and organisations could encourage use through online

promotion, as well as posters and fliers.




Sam Watson (Ulverstone, TAS), Max Alpin (Kowrowa,

QLD), Nakita Jager (Clarence Town, NSW), Jessica Spoor

(Jambin, QLD)

The Team



IDEA A B C D E F G

Australians who live in rural and remote areas are more disadvantaged than their city counterparts across a range of quality of life measures.

These include higher rates of chronic disease and poorer access to

health services.

We have experienced this firsthand and believe that greater understanding

is a vital step in solving these problems.

Our idea Bridge aims to spark meaningful conversations between health

professionals and young people that will lead to better health outcomes.

Community organisations that implement Bridge would select a group

of young people to become community health representatives.

They would be connected with health professionals locally or in the cities,

to provide their valuable perspective and experience of healthcare in

regional Australia. Young people would gain valuable experience in the

health sector and professionals would gain a better understanding of the

needs of their patients, clients and constituents.

The project would help bridge the quality of life gap between regional

areas and cities by starting conversations.

How might we connect young people to services to feel like their issues are heard?

Bridge

I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis when I was 15 years old. The closest specialist was 100 km away and I had to wait six months to see him. The appointments were short and it felt like he only cared about the end result. Bridge would solve this by creating personal connections with professionals, no matter where you live.

Saul Beatty, Carrara, QLD


My grandad is in aged care in a rural town in north-west Queensland. But when I started volunteering in aged care in regional and metropolitan areas, I realised the difference in resources and quality of care. With Bridge, I would be able to talk to a professional aged care provider about the gaps in resources, and perhaps be the catalyst for change.

Grace Vipen, Mackay, QLD

Apply for a grant now!Our idea could be run by local councils, schools or community groups.

They could select young people to become community representatives.

From there, they would be connected with professionals through Bridge.




Tamica Bradey (Cloncurry, QLD), Grace Vipen (Mackay, QLD), Chelsea Meulders (Naracoorte, SA), Saul Beatty (Carrara, QLD)

The Team



2019 Guidelines for the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants

Could your community benefit from one of these ideas?

Receive up to $10,000 to make it happen!

Apply through the 2019 online Grants Gateway at abc.net.au/heywire.

Applications close 5pm AEST, May 14, 2019

The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)

and its donor partners offer more than $100,000 in seed

funding annually to help at least ten groups make these

innovative ideas a reality. If you think one of them could

spark positive change in your community, apply for up

to $10,000 to kick-start the project in your area.

Successful applicants will have control over how

the project is implemented in their community, but

will be encouraged to contact the young people who

initially developed the idea (facilitated by Heywire).

Applications that adapt the project idea to their local

situation are strongly encouraged. Projects that can

demonstrate local youth involvement in the project’s

management and delivery will receive preference.

What Can Be Funded?• Funds are available to implement or pilot one of the

seven 2019 Heywire ideas. The projects can be adapted for your community, and should align to one of the following:

1. Build Community Resilience;

2. Develop Organisational Resilience and Capacity;

3. Enhance Environmental Sustainability;

4. Foster Cultural Vibrancy;

5. Encourage Lifelong Education & Training;

6. Strengthen the Local Economy;

7. Improve Community Health & Social Wellbeing.

• Projects must be undertaken from September 2019 to September 2020.

• Projects must take place in regional Australia, as defined by ABC Heywire, i.e. outside of Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth or Sydney.

Who Can Apply?• All not-for-profit community-based organisations with

an ABN or Incorporation Certificate. . No DGR status is required. One application per organisation. Check with FRRR if you are unsure about your eligibility.

• All applicants must have policies and procedures around working with children, Working with Children Checks, and the handling of child abuse complaints.

• Groups that have overdue final acquittal reports with FRRR are not eligible.



What Cannot Be Funded?• Business-as-usual operating and administration

costs will not be funded.

• Applications from sporting organisations need to clearly demonstrate a charitable benefit to the wider community (e.g. that sport is only incidental to the wider purpose of the project).

• Projects that do not have any youth involvement.

• Projects that benefit a single individual, rather than a community.

• Projects that support private / commercial business (excepting not-for-profit social enterprise / local economic development projects, which are eligible).

• Federal, State and Local Government core business and areas of responsibility.

• Overseas travel and overseas projects.

• Political lobbying.

What Information Is Essential To Include?• Applicants must use the online form and keep to

the word count limits, or space provided. If you have a concern about the accessibility of any part of the online grant system, please contact FRRR.

• All supporting material must be submitted with the application (see the form for a checklist).

• Applications must be endorsed by the legal head of the organisation, or they will not be considered.

What Makes a Strong Application?• Involve local youth in the project’s management

and implementation.

• Clearly articulate the need in your community, as well as the project’s desired outcomes.

• Demonstrate a considered project plan, which includes key tasks, people, responsibilities, resources required, timelines, outputs, and strategies for engaging youth and the evaluation of impact.

• Nominate the primary approach you will use in your project’s delivery:

1. Provide access to services / activities;

2. Develop knowledge, awareness and / or skills;

3. Build local capacity to deliver effective supports, services, activities; or

4. Invest in equipment / infrastructure to catalyse change.

• Articulate the three most likely outcomes you expect to achieve via the project:

1. Stronger community resilience;

2. Greater community participation and engagement;

3. More friendly and inclusive community;

4. Build a creative / culturally vibrant community;

5. Improve financial security and relieve poverty;

6. Innovate or respond to local opportunities;

7. Give children the best start in life;

8. Strengthen the ability to respond to community / individual challenges;

9. (Re)build community identity and sense of pride;

10. Strengthen the local economy;

11. Increase engagement in learning and strengthen educational outcomes;

12. Promote environmental health / sustainability.

• Evidence of community partnerships across multiple organisations and / or sectors. Communities that submit one application will receive preference over those that submit multiple applications.

• Include letters of support from organisations directly involved in the project, local organisations working with young people and local youth – show us you have wide community support.

• Demonstrate financial or in-kind contributions towards the project. If your group can’t contribute or source support from the community, explain why.

• Attach quotes to support the budget where applicable, including discounts or donations.

Submitting Your ApplicationAPPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA FRRR’S ONLINE

GRANTS GATEWAY BY 5PM AEST, TUESDAY MAY 14 2019.

Access the Grants Gateway at: frrr.org.au/heywire

Once you start an application, you will be emailed a

unique hyperlink to your draft application. You need to

use that hyperlink in order to resume your application.

EnquiriesFree call: 1800 170 020 Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @FRRR_Oz Facebook: /followFRRR

Web: www.frrr.org.au

About FRRRThe Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal

(FRRR) champions the economic and social

strength of Australia’s rural, regional and remote

communities through partnerships with the

private sector, philanthropy and governments.

FRRR encourages innovation and creativity in rural,

regional and remote communities, delivering a

range of grant programs, and supporting capacity

development within communities. For more about

FRRR see www.frrr.org.au.

http://frrr.org.au/heywire

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.frrr.org.au

http://www.frrr.org.au


Grants in ActionSince 2013, the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program has allowed communities to create positive change by adopting ideas developed at the Heywire Summit.More information about these and other projects can be found at abc.net.au/heywire.

At FRRR we are driven by a deep belief that local leaders, including youth, are best-placed to understand and act on what is needed for their community to thrive. Past Heywire ideas have had a major impact - I can't wait to see this year’s ideas come to fruition and to see the positive change they will make across rural, regional and remote Australia.

Natalie Egleton, CEO, Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)

Yeah the Boys Margaret River, WA

Building connectivity and resilience in teenage boys.

Tech Hub in the ScrubPannawonica, WA

Increasing digital literacy in remote communities.



Medifriends Whyalla, SA

Events to connect youth and healthcare providers.

Bridging Agriculture Bordertown, SA

Opening career pathways in agriculture for young migrants.

Back 2 BushNhill, VIC

A youth-led tourism campaign for the Wimmera region.

Taking Control Tennant Creek, NT

A youth-led healthy relationships education campaign.

Step UpHenty, NSW

A festival of youth career and community opportunities.

HopeRiverside, TAS

A youth-created video series about resilience.

C2C (Connecting To Culture) Mornington Island, QLD

Connecting Elders and young people to share culture.


Trailblazers

Endangered Species of the Mallee Art ProjectJoe Collins

Woomelang, VIC

By creating large-scale murals of local endangered

species, Joe wants Woomelang to become a fixture in

the Victorian Silo Art Trail, increasing local tourism and

raising awareness of environmental issues. Woomelang

is a struggling small town and this project aims to

stimulate the local economy through tourism. As a

2019 Trailblazer, Joe says, “After speaking live on ABC

News Breakfast TV, my project has already had more

promotion than I thought it ever would. I’m hoping that

from this exposure and networking, I can manage to

source the funding to make it a reality. Trailblazers has

made my project one to talk about.”

Students Against RacismOm Prakash Karki, Brutukan Melkamu & Bhim Dangi

Hobart, TAS

Students Against Racism provides mentoring and training

for students from refugee and migrant backgrounds to

deliver anti-racism training across Tasmania to schools,

local government and the Police. The project increases

employment opportunities for young people from diverse

backgrounds. Storyteller and group leader Brutukan

Melkamu was originally born in Ethiopia, lived in Kenya

and moved to Australia on a humanitarian visa in 2016.

She said sharing her story with audiences that didn’t

seem receptive at first was challenging. “But after the

workshop when people started giving feedback, it felt

like an achievement, sharing my story and changing

people’s ideas, it feels really good.”

The 2019 Trailblazers are regional leaders who have been selected through a national call-out, based on their work initiating projects that have a social and economic impact in their communities. Their projects tackle challenges faced by young people, including environmental tourism, strengthening Indigenous culture, celebrating Australian agriculture, rural mental health, global literacy and education, entrepreneurship, stopping racism, and employment.


Life On A StationEmma Moss

Southbrook, QLD

Life on a Station began as a way for Emma Moss to

share her experience of living on a remote cattle

station. The Trailblazers program, according to Emma,

"has given me a clear direction and the time to explore

further development options. We all made special

relationships and networks that will last forever.”

Her Instagram following now exceeds 17,000, and she is

using this experience to start up another page aimed

at celebrating Australian agriculture and educating

consumers through her pictures.

The Postnatal ProjectZelma Tolley

Port Lincoln, SA

Through education, awareness and events,

The Postnatal Project hopes to reduce the stigma

surrounding postnatal depression and encourage

help-seeking among women in regional communities.

Zelma has turned the project into a thriving small

business, offering consultations and resources within

the local community. On return from the Trailblazers'

intensive workshops, Zelma said, “I have had people

in my community who previously weren't aware of my

project stopping me in the street, and now I'm able to

respond with pride about what The Postnatal Project

is and how it’s making a difference.”

For more information visit abc.net.au/trailblazers.Applications for the 2020 Trailblazers program will open in June 2019.

http://abc.net.au/trailblazers

HeywireABC Heywire, GPO Box 9994, Melbourne 3001

T: 1800 26 26 46 E: [email protected]

facebook.com/abcheywire Twitter: @heywire

abc.net.au/heywire

Foundation For Rural & Regional RenewalFor more information about the grants contact FRRR:

PO Box 41 Bendigo VIC 3552

T: 1800 170 020 E: [email protected]

facebook.com/followFRRR Twitter: @FRRR_Oz

frrr.org.au/heywire


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2019 Youth Innovation - frrr.org.au · 4 209 1 YOUTH INNOVATION GRANTS GUIDE About Heywire The ABC Heywire Competition The annual Heywire competition invites regional youth to join

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