FRRR has announced that 19 community organisations across Australia will share more than $157,766 from the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program grants to implement projects based on the ideas generated at this year’s ABC Heywire Summit in Canberra. 

This year’s grants will help activate projects based on four of the ideas developed at the annual youth summit, all of which respond to issues that concern young people in remote, rural and regional Australia. The original ideas were: 

• MEE (Mentoring Educating Empowering): close the gap in accessing quality education for young people; 

•  A Place for You: improve access to mental health services; 

• The Bigger Picture: empower young people in regional towns to celebrate their differences and foster connection among themselves; and 

Youth 2 Grassroots: promote a stronger connection between individuals and their land by fostering a culture of environmental protection and stewardship. 

As part of FRRR’s commitment to supporting the transition of leadership to the next generation, the successful grants were reviewed and recommended by a Youth Assessment Committee, under the guidance of FRRR Directors and staff. FRRR also employed two interns, both former Heywire winners, over the last few months, who assisted with the program administration and assessment. 

Mahsa Nabizada, Youth Assessment Committee Chair, highlighted that the Heywire Grants offer an incredible opportunity for young people from all corners of Australia to bring their ideas to life and actively shape their communities.  

“It’s empowering to see these young leaders take ownership of the challenges they face and turn them into meaningful change.”  

“These grants show that when we invest in young people, we’re investing in the future of our communities,” added Nabizada. 

Deb Samuels, FRRR’s People Portfolio Lead said that pleasingly, many of these projects funded will be led by the young people that they are designed to benefit. 

“Representation matters and valuing the lived experience and unique perspectives of young people is vital, so we’ve actively sought ways to involve more young people this year, plus we actively invited young people to apply for the grants.” 

“After all, who better to know what’s going to work for other young people than their peers.” 

Samuels added that this round they also saw the largest number of projects they’ve funded in Queensland, thanks to The John Villiers Trust and The Clem Jones Group. “Their support has meant that we can fund seven wonderful initiatives in six communities. I really can’t wait to see what impact each of these projects has in their community over the coming year,” Samuels said. 

Justin Stevens, ABC Director News, emphasised that the ABC Heywire Summit brings forth ideas created by young individuals from regional communities, aimed at benefiting their peers.  

“These grants provide remote, rural, and regional areas with a practical way to inspire the next generation of leaders to voice their concerns and take action on issues that matter to them and their communities.” 

These grants are generously co-funded by contributions from The Sally Foundation, The John Villiers Trust, The Clem Jones Group, David Mactaggart Foundation, and several private donors. 

This funding announcement brings the grants total to more than $1.7 million over the last 13 years.