Bright ideas from bright young minds

The cash will bankroll 16 community initiatives aimed at addressing issues that matter to remote, rural and regional youth.

The projects have been funded under the Foundation for Regional & Rural Renewal (FRRR) ABC Heywire Youth innovation Grants program.

Now in its 11^th year, the youth-focused program offers funds for communities to adopt, adapt and act on the ideas generated by young Australians at the ABC Heywire program’s annual Regional Youth Summit.

This year’s summit saw 39 young participants develop six ideas for change on issues that matter most to rural youth, which included:

• exploring ways to relieve boredom

• how to create easy access to mental health support

• the cost of food relief

• catering to education and diverse learning needs

• ensuring youth voices are heard

• creating better futures for young people with disabilities.

Investigating initiatives to alleviate boredom for young Australians in country communities struck a chord with young people at the conference and attracted the most applications.

They included 2023 Heywire participant Blake, who is leading a project which successfully attracted funding to address a lack of opportunities for fun youth events in rural communities such as his own.

“In small rural towns, it can feel like there is nothing for young people to do,” said Blake.

“We need to make sure that there are safe events and spaces for youth, or else they will look to drugs and alcohol for entertainment and excitement.”

Blake said his project will involve young people designing and leading a one-day event of live music and activities.

“The drug and alcohol-free event will involve young and upcoming artists, and include art and cultural activities,” he said.

“I know it will help the young people in our community to build connections and give them practical experience in event management.

“I’m excited for it to get underway!”

FRRR People Portfolio Lead Deb Samuels, said that the program helps to put youth-led ideas at the forefront of rural communities and helps young people to feel heard.

“Young people are the future and often we find that grassroots organisations know how important it is to involve the youth and make them part of the community, but they simply lack the capacity to do so,” she said.

“Thanks to our donor partners, this program gives community groups the support and resources they need to overcome these barriers and focus their time and energy on initiatives that will make young people feel seen and empowered.”