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2022 ABC Heywire Competition Opens

29 July 2021
Culture and Capability
A group of youth and young adults hold large yellow letters above their heads as some of them leap from a seat. The letters spell the word Heywire. In the background is a building and flagpoles.

The ABC's Heywire competition is calling on people aged 16-22 years to share their experiences of Life in regional Australia and for their stories to be featured on the ABC.

Young Australians with a story to tell about life outside of the big cities are encouraged to enter, with entries of any medium accepted, including text, video, audio and photography.

Entries can be submitted on the ABC Heywire website, with submissions closing on Thursday 16 September 2021 .

The ABC will choose 33 winners from across regional Australia to work with ABC producers and to have their stories featured across ABC platforms including ABC Television, RN, Local Radio and triple j .

Past winners have spoken about overcoming adversity, access to medical services in regional areas, youth mental health, accessibility, access to education, environmental care and championing diversity and different abilities.

2021 Heywire winner and proud Gamilaroi woman Alyssa from Moree, New South Wales, reflects on her experience with the competition: "I got to share my story and get a platform where I can inspire and help others understand not only my experiences but also the experiences of other Indigenous youth across Australia."

Alyssa says that "Heywire is the perfect platform for young people to tell their stories. It opens up so many doors and you get to meet so many awesome people who you will no doubt remember later in life. If there's a story that you think should be told, tell it."

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston encouraged young rural and regional Australians to get involved and enter the competition.

"Heywire gives young Australians a platform to share their stories of courage, hope and resilience," Minister Ruston said.

"As a country girl myself, I know how much these stories reflect the heart of our nation and help shine a Light on our next generation of Leaders."

The Director of ABC Regional & Local, Judith Whelan, said Heywire continued to empower young Australians from regional communities to tell their stories.

"We've seen so many talented young people take part in Heywire over the past 24 years, with many going on to achieve great things in the Australian media industry. If you have a story to tell and want to contribute to your regional community, then send in your Heywire application. You don't know where it might lead."

Heywire acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Department of Education, Skills and Employment; the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications; the Department of Health; the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment; The Department of Social Services and AgriFutures Australia.