Youth have their say on what matters most

Young people from across rural, regional and remote Australia had their say on issues that matter most to them at the ABC Heywire Regional Youth Summit earlier this year, and now grants are available to address the hot topics.

April 2023

This year’s project ideas cover a range of issues: from isolation and boredom, to the cost of living, to mental health support. The six project ideas identified as having the potential to make the biggest difference to country youth are:

  • Boredom Relief: How might we create safe spaces for youth?
  • Easy Access: How might we empower regional youth to take charge of their mental health and support their mates?
  • Homegrown Hub: How might we create cost of food relief in communities across Australia?
  • Idea 4 Change: How might we provide resources to ensure young people are supported and engaged in their education with their diverse learning needs catered for?
  • Hear Our Voices: How might we ensure that all youth voices are heard and represented on issues that matter to them?
  • We Are Not Alone: How might we create a better future for all young people living with a disability to feel understood, accepted and supported in their communities?

Since 2013, the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program has helped ideas like these, identified by young people at the Summit, come to life.

Grants of up to $10,000 are now on offer for local community groups to help fund the projects developed by youth and for youth.

Country Queensland organisations have even more opportunities for support, with The John Villiers Trust (JVT) proudly funding additional grants through the program to specifically help improve life for young people in rural, regional, and remote Queensland. The dedicated grants mean more youth-led initiatives can come to life in the state.

Grants are available now for communities to adopt, adapt and act on these ideas within their own community. Applications close 7 June.

Read more about JVT and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal