Dozens of young people from rural areas across Australia have descended on Canberra this week to share their stories about growing up and living in the bush.
 
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke today congratulated 35 winners of the ABC’s Heywire competition at a dinner in Old Parliament House as part of the program’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

The winners, aged between 16 and 22 years, are in Canberra for the annual five day Heywire Youth Issues Forum to develop their skills, share their thoughts and get a glimpse of how government works.

Mr Burke congratulated the winners on their stories, which are being broadcast on the ABC’s local and national radio networks.

“We are building a modern Australia to meet the challenges of the future, and the younger generation must be closely involved in that process,” Mr Burke said.

“The winning entries in this competition give listeners across Australia a chance to understand the unique joys and difficulties of growing up in rural Australia.”

Mr Burke encouraged the winners to continue making a difference in their communities and reminding other Australians of the contribution of regional areas.

“Heywire is a powerful forum for young people to describe their experiences and express their views, but the storytelling should not end with this competition,” he said.

“Young people are the future of rural and regional Australia and they will have a critical role to play in shaping vibrant towns and cities across the country.”

Mr Burke also acknowledged 13 previous winners of the competition who participated in the Youth Issues Forum.

“I am pleased that some of the young people who have written with humour and honesty about their lives in rural Australia can come back together and share their achievements over the last decade,” Mr Burke said.

Media contact: Ann-Marie Wilcock - 0413 872 275