Toowoomba teenager, Rheanca, is calling on all young people living in regional communities to tell their stories as part of the 2024 ABC Heywire competition, which opens today.
"No matter how big or small your story is, if you feel it needs to be heard, now is the time to share it!" Rheanca said.
Reflecting on her experience as a participant of this year's ABC Heywire storytelling competition for regional young people, Rheanca is direct:
"ABC Heywire is so much more than just a competition. It's a lifelong community and network of incredible young people, community stakeholders and mentors."
Now, the ABC wants to grow that community of young, regional changemakers. The national broadcaster is calling on young people aged 16-22 to share their experiences of living outside the capital cities for the opportunity to have their stories featured on the ABC.
Entries can be submitted at abc.net.au/heywire/competition in any format including writing, video, photos and audio. Entries are now open, and close 1 September 2023.
Rheanca shared her story about enduring treatment for atopic dermatitis by doctors who didn't recognise how the painful condition presented on brown skin.
"Sharing my story not only helped other young people with chronic conditions know they are not alone, but also brought light to racial bias issues that are rarely talked about." Rheanca reflects.
For more than 25 years, Heywire has empowered individuals from across regional Australia to speak up about the issues they care about.
"It's where storytelling becomes a vehicle of positive change and empowers us as youth to create meaningful initiatives in our small communities." Rheanca explains.
Jo, a proud sistagirl from Ngukurr, a remote Indigenous community in the Northern Territory, agrees. Speaking candidly about growing up trans with the support of her family was important for Jo as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
"Heywire is an amazing opportunity for young people to share their stories, connect with others, and have their voices heard. I have inspired a lot of the Indigenous queers in remote communities with my story. It was a blessing and an experience that I will never forget!"
Jo and Rheanca were two of 36 winners from across Australia who worked with ABC producers to have their stories featured across ABC platforms including ABC TV, RN, local radio, triple j and iview. Competition winners also receive an all-expenses paid trip to the ABC Heywire Regional Youth Innovation Summit in Canberra. This once in a lifetime experience supports the young people to develop their leadership skills while discussing how life could be improved for young people in their communities.
Minister for Skills and Training The Hon Brendan O'Connor encouraged young rural and regional Australians to get involved and enter the competition.
"Young people in rural and regional Australia have stories to tell that will shape our nation for decades to come," Minister O'Connor said.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to empower the next generation of young Australians, to give them a voice about issues that are important to us all."
The Director of ABC News, Justin Stevens, said Heywire celebrates the voices of young Australians from regional communities.
"Heywire continues to be an exciting way for the ABC to connect with the firsthand perspectives and storytelling skills of young Australians in communities around the country.
"It powerfully tells the story of these communities to the rest of the country and has given a voice to young people over a number of years. We can't wait to see what the next year holds."
Get your entries in via the Heywire website by 1 September 2023.
Heywire acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts; Department of Health and Aged Care; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Department of Employment and Workplace Relations; the Office for Youth and AgriFutures Australia.
