Deadline: 01-Sep-26
The ABC Heywire Competition 2027 invites young people aged 16–22 from regional, rural, and remote Australia to share true stories based on their lived experiences. Selected winners will work with ABC producers, attend an all-expenses-paid Heywire Summit in Canberra, and contribute ideas that could receive funding through a youth-led initiative worth up to $100,000 annually.
About the Competition
The ABC Heywire Competition 2027 is a lived experience storytelling competition that encourages young people from regional, rural, and remote Australia to share authentic stories about their lives and communities.
Participants can tell their stories using text, video, audio, or photography. Selected entrants will collaborate with ABC producers to develop their stories for publication and broadcast, providing an opportunity to share their voices with audiences across Australia and internationally.
Competition Objectives
The competition aims to:
- Encourage authentic storytelling by young people.
- Showcase the lived experiences of regional, rural, and remote communities.
- Amplify youth voices through the ABC.
- Foster creativity through multiple storytelling formats.
- Build connections among young people from across Australia.
- Support youth-led ideas that improve life in regional communities.
Story Themes
Participants are invited to submit a true story about:
- Their life.
- Their lived experiences.
- The place where they live.
- Their local community.
- Challenges, achievements, or unique experiences that reflect regional Australia.
Entry Formats
Stories may be submitted in one of the following formats:
- Text story of up to 400 words.
- Video lasting 2–4 minutes.
- Audio recording lasting 2–4 minutes.
- Photo story consisting of up to 10 images.
Applicants should choose the format that best represents their story.
Major Prize
Between 33 and 40 major prize winners will be selected.
Each winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Heywire Summit in Canberra, with an approximate prize value of $3,000 per person.
The prize includes:
- Five nights’ accommodation.
- Return economy airfare from the winner’s nearest domestic airport to Canberra.
- Airport transfers.
- Event transfers.
- Invitation to the Heywire Gala Dinner.
- Catering during the Heywire Regional Youth Summit.
Heywire Summit
Major prize winners will participate in the Heywire Summit, where they will:
- Meet other young people from regional Australia.
- Share experiences and ideas.
- Work collaboratively on solutions to improve life in regional communities.
- Develop youth-led initiatives with support from facilitators and the ABC.
Youth-Led Funding Opportunity
In addition to the competition prizes:
- Up to $100,000 is available each year to support the implementation of youth-led ideas developed during the Heywire Summit.
These initiatives aim to create positive outcomes for young people living in regional Australia.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be 16–22 years of age.
- Live in regional, rural, or remote Australia.
- Submit an original true story based on their lived experiences.
- Meet all competition requirements outlined by the ABC.
Judging Criteria
Entries are expected to demonstrate:
- Authentic storytelling.
- Originality.
- Personal perspective.
- Strong connection to place and community.
- Effective communication through the chosen medium.
Program Benefits
Participants have the opportunity to:
- Share their stories with audiences across Australia.
- Work with professional ABC producers.
- Build storytelling and communication skills.
- Attend the Heywire Summit in Canberra.
- Connect with young people from across regional Australia.
- Develop leadership skills.
- Contribute ideas that may receive funding for community implementation.
Tips for a Strong Entry
Applicants can strengthen their submission by:
- Sharing a genuine personal experience.
- Highlighting what makes their community unique.
- Being authentic and honest.
- Choosing the storytelling format that best suits their story.
- Using clear and engaging storytelling.
- Showing how their experiences reflect life in regional, rural, or remote Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can enter the ABC Heywire Competition 2027?
Young people aged 16–22 who live in regional, rural, or remote Australia are eligible to enter.
What types of stories can be submitted?
Participants must submit a true story about their life and the place where they live.
What formats are accepted?
Entries may be submitted as:
- A text story (up to 400 words).
- A 2–4 minute video.
- A 2–4 minute audio recording.
- A photo story with up to 10 images.
What do major prize winners receive?
Major prize winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Heywire Summit in Canberra, including accommodation, return flights, transfers, catering, and an invitation to the Heywire Gala Dinner. The approximate prize value is $3,000 per person.
How many winners will be selected?
Between 33 and 40 major prize winners will be chosen.
Is there additional funding available after the summit?
Yes. Up to $100,000 is available each year to help implement youth-led ideas developed during the Heywire Summit.
Conclusion
The ABC Heywire Competition 2027 provides young people from regional, rural, and remote Australia with a platform to share authentic stories about their lives and communities. Through professional storytelling support, participation in the Heywire Summit, and opportunities to contribute to youth-led initiatives backed by up to $100,000 in annual funding, the competition empowers young Australians to amplify their voices and inspire positive change in regional communities.
For more information, visit Australian Broadcasting Corporation.