FRRR is encouraging not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in rural communities 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 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. 

“It gives me hope for the future of rural Australia when I see young people working to tackle issues, many of which echo the concerns we see in rural Australia more generally, head on,” said Deb Samuels, FRRR’s People Portfolio Lead.  

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 services 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 $100,000 in funding available nationally, thanks to the generous support of The Sally Foundation, David Mactaggart Foundation and private donors. An additional $17,500 is also available specifically to fund projects in Queensland, thanks to a partnership with The John Villiers Trust. 

Amy from Mount Isa, Queensland, is a 2024 Heywire Winner and was part of the group that developed the Youth 2 Grassroots project.  

“I love living in rural Queensland, and it was incredible being given this opportunity through Heywire to come up with an idea to improve life for other country kids. I’m so excited to see what comes from our idea,” said Amy.  

Samuels added that the Foundation’s long-term partnership with ABC has 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. 

“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. 

Samuels shared that the projects that these grants fund help young leaders to address issues of equity and wellbeing and change the underlying narrative of what rural communities “don’t have”, by creating a future where we can celebrate all that rural Australia can offer its young people. 

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

“The ideas generated at the ABC Heywire Summit are developed by young people in regional communities, for young people. 

“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,” Justin said. 

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 5pm AEST Wednesday 29 May, and recipients will be announced in August.