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Across regional Australia, young people are leading change in their communities by responding to local challenges with practical, community-driven solutions. The ABC’s Heywire Trailblazers program exists to bring those efforts into the national spotlight.
Participants receive a package of support to further develop their work, including a leadership intensive at the Heywire Regional Youth Summit.
Since 2017, more than 150 young people have taken part in the program.
Announcing the 2026 cohort, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Emma McBride acknowledged the commitment of young regional leaders and the impact they are making in their communities.
“Young people living in regional, rural and remote Australia bring fresh ideas and amazing energy to their communities,” she said.
“They see challenges and turn them into opportunities – whether it’s improving access to services, creating inclusive spaces, or finding innovative ways to strengthen local connections.
“The ABC Trailblazers program puts a national spotlight on these inspiring leaders by providing them a platform to share their ideas, amplify their voices and showcase what real change looks like in the regions.”
Among the 2026 recipients are three young leaders from New South Wales whose work spans project development, Aboriginal-led mentoring and disability advocacy – each shaped by lived experience and a strong connection to community and Country.
MP Emma McBride. (Image: )
Turning big ideas into real projects
Jack Gray – ECHO Projects
Bega Valley, Yuin Country
Jack Gray is focused on helping communities turn ideas into action.
Growing up in the Bega Valley, he saw how difficult it could be for projects – particularly those led by young people – to move from concept to delivery. In 2023, Gray launched ECHO Projects (Engage, Connect, Help, Organise), a business that supports communities and emerging leaders through project management, grant writing and practical advice.
His aim is to make funding and planning processes less confusing, so community ideas have a fair opportunity to succeed. ECHO Projects is growing quickly, with Gray maintaining a strong focus on empowering young voices and ensuring they are heard at every level.
He believes that big ideas need structure, support and the opportunity to become reality.
Building strong leaders through culture and connection
Jayden Wright – Gurru Collective (pictured at top)
Maitland, Wonnarua Country
Jayden Wright is a proud Dunghutti man living on Wonnarua Country in Maitland. His work is informed by lived experience with mental health challenges, which shaped his understanding of the importance of identity, connection and safe spaces for healing.
While working alongside young people in out-of-home care, youth justice and community programs, Wright identified common barriers relating to confidence, culture, education and employment. These experiences led him to establish Gurru Collective, an Aboriginal-led mentoring and wellbeing initiative.
In Dhanggati language, Gurru means “warrior” or “to lead”. The program focuses on building strong leaders through culture and community-led mentoring, using on-Country workshops, yarning circles, mentoring and cultural skill-building.
Gurru Collective creates culturally safe spaces where lived experience is valued, voices are heard and leadership is strengthened through community.
Amplifying disability voices through storytelling
Caitlin Blanch
Loomberah, Gomeroi Country
Caitlin Blanch has been advocating for access and inclusion from a young age. Diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta as a baby, she has spent much of her life navigating systems that often fail to reflect the experiences of people living with disability.
Growing up on a farm near Tamworth, Blanch observed that voices from her community were rarely represented in decision-making spaces. She is now launching a program aimed at amplifying the voices of young people with disability through storytelling across podcasts and social media.
Her work seeks to champion equity and inclusion across regional Australia by challenging stigma and supporting young people with disability to shape the systems that affect them.
ABC managing director Hugh Marks said the 2026 Trailblazers reflect the strength of young leadership in regional Australia.
“We’re proud to celebrate the 2026 Trailblazers and the incredible impact they’re making in their communities,” he said.
“Each year this program shines a light on the creativity and leadership of young people in regional Australia. Their passion and commitment are driving real change and giving a stronger voice to the next generation.
“The ABC is honoured to champion these innovators through Trailblazers, helping empower young Australians to shape a brighter future.”
Read about all the winners here.