In a media landscape too often dominated by capital city perspectives, the ABC Heywire Competition flips the script – handing the mic to young people growing up in regional, rural and remote Australia.
Now open for entries, Heywire invites young Australians aged 16 to 22 to share a true story drawn from their own lives outside the city. Whether it’s a quiet reflection on life on the land, a bold take on local identity, or an honest insight into the challenges facing regional youth, the competition seeks raw, authentic storytelling in all its forms.
Entrants can choose their medium – writing, video, audio or photography – as long as the story is real and theirs to tell.
But this isn’t just about telling a story – it’s about being heard.
Each year, selected winners receive the chance to work alongside ABC producers to craft their piece for a national audience. They’re also invited to Canberra for the Heywire Regional Youth Innovation Summit, where they connect with peers from across the country, share ideas with policymakers, and help shape solutions to issues affecting their communities.
For many past winners, Heywire has been a launching pad – into journalism, advocacy, leadership, and beyond.
Entries close Sunday 1 September 2025.
For more information and to enter, head to ABC Heywire Competition.
