The ABC and VicHealth have announced the 28 winners of this year’s Takeover Melbourne storytelling competition.

The competition, now in its third year, will once again showcase the brightest young storytellers from across the city.

Hundreds of young Melburnians, from the Mornington Peninsula to Wyndham, took up the challenge of sharing their stories, which this year include connecting to culture through traditional death rites; discussing the experience of being a first-generation migrant; coming out as asexual; and coming to terms with the loss of a loved one.

Their stories feature crochet kings and keen cooks, ice skaters, pianists and Kuchipudi dancers, showcasing a diverse and modern Melbourne.

Darell, aged 15 from Doncaster in Melbourne’s east, is one of this year’s winners. He shares a story about being inspired to make his own non-fungible tokens (NFTs) after a trip to the Australian Open.

Daryl says, “I want to inspire teenagers to never let their age dictate what they can or can’t do.

“They should always follow their dreams regardless of what challenges may appear. After all, if you can dream it, you can do it.”

Director of ABC Regional and Local, Judith Whelan says the program would not be possible without the young winners “…welcoming us into their lives and communities.  I’m so excited to hear all 28 stories and to share them across the ABC in coming weeks.”   

The winning stories can be heard on ABC Radio Melbourne and on the Story Stream via the ABC listen app throughout November and December.

They will also be celebrated at a gala event in the heart of Melbourne in December 2022.