Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)

In 2021, as we were emerging from COVID, the Heywire Regional Youth Summit took a different form, with a slimmed-down version being held in Broken Hill, NSW. The format was similar to the traditional national story-telling and leadership program but just concentrated in Broken Hill. Young people were mentored to tell their stories and raise ideas that could be implemented in other rural communities to address issues that concern young people living in regional areas.

One issue raised was discrimination based on race, gender identity, disability and sexuality – something the participants felt had long been overlooked. They spoke about how it affected people and how these experiences have a lasting impact. They also pointed to a lack of visible celebration of diversity and inclusion in Broken Hill, particularly in public spaces and community culture.

While Broken Hill has a strong historical identity shaped by its pioneering past, young people noted that the cultural expression of the town has not kept pace with its diversity. Despite Aboriginal people making up 8.5% of the population, there were few markers of First Nations culture in the city centre, and noted that community events or landmarks that reflect multicultural heritage are limited.

Supported by a $10,000 Heywire Youth Innovation Grant awarded to the Council of the City of Broken Hill – and funded by FRRR’s donor network – The Story Link Project was born. Developed in response to the ideas of young people at the Summit, the initiative aimed to spark a broader conversation about discrimination and create a space where community members could listen, reflect and respond.

Facilitated by the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, the project was led by contemporary artist Aimee Volkovsky of Bush Witch Productions and animator James Price. Together, they mentored 16 young people through workshops exploring identity, belonging and diversity, culminating in a six-minute animated video. Aimee’s outreach extended into schools, youth events and community meetings, helping to engage a broad mix of participants. Her collaboration with James and young locals produced striking animations that reflected local challenges and hope for a more inclusive future. A major theme to emerge from the project was the idea that the town has “enough space for all” – a challenge to old cultural norms. Watch a section of the final video.

Despite setbacks from COVID, including disruptions to school-based activities and delays, the project team remained agile. They redirected efforts to youth programs and community events, ensuring the authenticity of youth voices remained at the centre.

The project culminated in a public exhibition launch at the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery on 25 November 2022, alongside the HSC Visual Arts showcase from local Year 12 students. The event drew around 150 attendees, many of whom were encountering a youth-led, public commentary on discrimination for the first time. The young creators stood proudly with their work, engaging in deep, meaningful conversations with visitors around identity, inclusion and the future of their town. In particular, they highlighted discrimination faced by queer youth, an issue the participants identified as both urgent and under-acknowledged.

Since its launch, the animated work continues to be used in youth programs, social media campaigns and community events to encourage ongoing reflection and dialogue. The project built on earlier efforts to celebrate diversity in Broken Hill, including a Harmony Day Colour Run staged in 2020 – but it also broke new ground. It not only increased visibility for underrepresented voices but established a sustainable platform for youth leadership and creative expression.

Most importantly, The Story Link Project reminded the community that there is “enough space for all”.