Young people in remote, rural and regional communities across Australia are set to benefit from more than $130,000 in grants, thanks to the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program.
Using the awarded funds, 14 local not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) will work with young people in their communities to deliver projects based on ideas developed at this year’s ABC Heywire Summit in Canberra..
The ideas were workshopped by the 38 young Summit attendees, who drew on personal experiences to identify common issues currently concerning young people in remote, rural and regional Australia.
The 14 funded projects are based on these six ideas:
- Youth Ignite: Rekindling community spirit and improving trust between young people and their communities
- How 2 Adult: Equipping young people with practical life skills needed for post-school life
- Full Plate Pantry: Breaking down the stigma surrounding food insecurity in regional communities
- HARK (Helping Australians in Rural Kommunities): Making career opportunities more accessible for young people living in the country
- Wellness Wagon: Connecting regional young people with the health support they need
- CommUnity: Using lived-experience to educate and celebrate different cultural diversity
The full list of recipients and a snapshot of their projects is available below.
Young people taking the lead
Each project submission was reviewed and recommended by a Youth Assessment Committee, under the guidance of FRRR Directors and staff. The Committee is made up of six Heywire alumni from across rural and regional Australia.
Mahsa Nabizada , Youth Assessment Committee Chair and past Heywirer, said that the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program is a great opportunity for young people from across remote, rural and regional Australia, to speak up, feel heard and see their needs being addressed by their community.
“The projects awarded grants really stood out to the Committee because the recipients are genuinely committed to using the funding as a tool to support youth-driven change and leadership within their communities,” Ms Nabizada explained.
“The experience of serving on the Youth Assessment Committee has been a genuine honour. It gives young people, like me, a valuable insight into philanthropic process. I feel confident that I have the skills and support to be able to step into leadership roles in my community and make a real difference, not only in my town, but in the future success of rural Australia.”
Tayah from Pambula Beach, NSW, is a 2025 Heywire Winner and was part of the group that created the How 2 Adult project idea.
“It’s been heartening to see how well our idea has been received by community groups. Each of the funded projects have embraced the true purpose of our idea – to equip young people with skills they need to thrive in life,” Tayah said.
“It’s amazing to know I’ve played a part in empowering and educating young people, just like me, to make informed decisions and live life confidently.”
Deb Samuels, FRRR People Lead, said that since 2013, the Foundation has partnered with the ABC to amplify the inspiring opportunities for growth that young people have to offer rural Australia.
“Young people get it – they know what works because they live it. Through the program and the projects we fund, we hope that young people feel that they are not only being heard, but that they have the agency to shape real change – in their community and across the nation,” Ms Samuels said.
“This year, we received 36 applications requesting more than $320,000 in funding – clear evidence that communities are not only listening to their young people, but that they are actively investing in the leadership of the next generation.
“This year we’ve seen a sharp rise in organisation partnering with young people to bring projects to life. One of the initiatives we’re proud to support is ‘Skills for the Hill’ in Castlemaine. Led by a dedicated Youth Team, this initiative offers hands-on workshops in practical life skills—from sewing and DIY to financial literacy and wellbeing. It’s a thoughtful, locally grounded response to the challenges that are being experienced right now, in real-time, and it’s being delivered by young leaders who understand exactly what they and their peers need.
“Initiatives like this are precisely why the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program exists. It’s about placing young people at the heart of the conversation, equipping them to lead and backing them with the tools, networks and confidence to shape their futures. I’m excited to see the impact these projects will have—not just over the coming year, but well into the future,” Ms Samuels explained.
Justin Stevens, ABC Director of News, said that the ABC Heywire Summit is a launchpad for ideas that matter.
“It’s inspiring to see young people from regional Australia lead real change for their communities,” Mr Stevens said.
“These grants turn conversations into action. They empower young people to take ownership of the issues they care about and build solutions that reflect their lived experience.”
The FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program is generously co-funded by contributions from The Sally Foundation, The John Villiers Trust, David Mactaggart Foundation, Australian Philanthropic Services and several private donors.
This funding announcement brings the grants total to more than $1.8 million over the last 13 years.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
| Organisation | Project | Location | Grant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEW SOUTH WALES | ||||||
| Hilltops Council | Full Plate Pantry Engage youth in cooking classes and meal distribution to address food insecurity, strengthen leadership skills and boost community partnerships. | Young | $9,948 | |||
| Milton Ulladulla Business Chamber | HARK Boost youth employment through cultivating greater mentorship and career pathway opportunities within their communities. | Ulladulla | $3,800 | |||
| Murdi Paaki Regional Rugby League Council Inc | How 2 Adult Engage youth in a series of financial literacy workshops, designed to boost life skills. | Kandos | $9,135 | |||
| Voices of Influence Australia Ltd | CommUnity Strengthen the skills and abilities of community leaders to create safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals to thrive. | Newcastle | $9,950 | |||
| NORTHERN TERRITORY | ||||||
| Landcare NT Incorporated | CommUnity Provide students with environmental and Indigenous cultural education, to nurture youth engagement and leadership. | Darwin | $10,000 | |||
| QUEENSLAND | ||||||
| Central West Aboriginal Corporation | HARK Generate greater employment opportunities for First Nations youth, through the delivery of training and real-world experience. | Barcaldine | $10,000 | |||
| South Burnett Regional Council | How 2 Adult Support youth in their transition to independence, through workshops that will equip students with life skills and resilience. | Kingaroy | $10,000 | |||
| United Synergies Limited | Youth Ignite Grow an existing youth leadership camp opportunity, to empower more youth to be leaders in their communities. | Maroochydore | $10,000 | |||
| TASMANIA | ||||||
| Housing Choices Tasmania Limited | How 2 Adult Prepare youth for their transition into independent adulthood, by developing a social media campaign to provide greater support and resources. | Burnie | $9,832 | |||
| King Island Council | Youth Ignite Establish a youth-centred group that empowers young people to create local events, fostering community connection and a strong sense of belonging. | King Island | $10,000 | |||
| VICTORIA | ||||||
| Interwine Pty Ltd | CommUnity Equip the Shepparton community to create a safe and supportive environment for young people, through a leadership program. | Shepparton | $10,000 | |||
| Swan Hill Rural City Council | Full Plate Pantry Launch a youth cooking program in Swan Hill, to tackle food insecurity and foster skill development. | Swan Hill | $10,000 | |||
| Wesley Hill Hall Committee of Management Inc | How 2 Adult Foster intergenerational connection and knowledge sharing through workshops, to support young people's transition into adulthood. | Castlemaine | $8,000 | |||
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA | ||||||
| Live To Tell Your Story Inc | Wellness Wagon Facilitate in-person gatherings to encourage connection, story and knowledge sharing, to grow a deeper understanding of current issues faced by young Indigenous women. | Warburton | $10,000 | |||