The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) is urging not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in rural areas to collaborate with local young individuals to implement or adapt one of six project ideas conceived at this year’s ABC Heywire Youth Summit. These ideas arose in response to the pressing concerns identified as most relevant and critical for youth in remote, rural, and regional Australia and empower rural youth to lead local change. 

Through the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program, grants of up to $10,000 are accessible to jumpstart initiatives promoting equitable access to local services and nurturing a sense of belonging and connection among peers and to the land.

The six ideas were developed by 35 young summit participants during the week-long event dedicated to youth leadership and skills development. The ideas are as follows:

1. Bussin’: Creating more accessible transport options for young people in regional and rural communities.

2. MEE (Mentoring Educating Empowering): Closing the gap in accessing quality education for young people in regional, rural, and remote areas.

3. A Place for You: Improving accessibility to mental health services in remote and regional areas of Australia.

4. The Bigger Picture: Empowering young people in regional towns to celebrate their differences and foster connection among themselves.

5. Safe Sphere: Ensuring that young people in regional and remote communities receive relevant and comprehensive sexual education.

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

A total of $100,000 in funding is available nationwide, thanks to the generous support of The Sally Foundation, David Mactaggart Foundation, and private donors. 

Amy a 2024 Heywire Winner, was part of the group that developed the Youth 2 Grassroots project. Expressing her excitement, Amy stated, “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.”

Deb Samuels, FRRR’s People Portfolio Lead, emphasised the significant outcomes for young people and communities resulting from the Foundation’s long-term partnership with ABC. She highlighted the impact these young leaders and their projects have had on rural Australia, addressing issues of equity and well-being.

Justin Stevens, ABC Director News, noted that the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program empowers young people to actualise their ideas, providing tangible support to regional communities.

Applications for grants close at 5 pm AEST on Wednesday, 29 May, with recipients to be announced in August. 

About FRRR

The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) is the only national foundation specifically focused on ensuring the social and economic strength of remote, rural, and regional communities. Since its establishment in 2000, FRRR has delivered $177 million to more than 14,000 projects.

About ABC Heywire

Heywire, supported by various Australian government departments and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, provides young people in regional Australia a platform to share their stories and ideas. Since 1998, Heywire has empowered youth through platforms like the Heywire Regional Youth Summit and the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants.