Applications are now open for the ABC’s 2023 Trailblazers program, which showcases the stories of regional Australia’s brightest new leaders.
Trailblazers is an opportunity for young innovators, aged 18 – 28, who have started social, educational and economic development projects in their regional communities, to have their work celebrated nationally.
Previous Trailblazers projects have tackled issues including strengthening Indigenous culture, youth mental health, sustainable agriculture, employment, education and supporting remote entrepreneurs.
2022 Trailblazer winner, Tisha Tejaya from Larrakia Country, Darwin tells the stories of her community in innovative ways through her project, Cornucopia.
In 2020 she published a guidebook to the produce used by Darwin’s diverse community, including stories of how migrant communities use these ingredients.
“Trailblazers has been a whirlwind, incredible experience. I’m simply doing things I never dreamt I would do. Trailblazers has also been incredible in building confidence and skill. The program has been the opportunity of a lifetime.”
The ABC’s Director of Regional & Local, Judith Whelan, welcomes the launch of the 2023 Trailblazers’ program, saying it marks the start of some incredible journeys for young people in regional communities around Australia.
“This is a program that has consistently delivered for those who have taken part in past years. It has also delivered substantial benefits to regional communities. Trailblazers is an inspiring and uplifting initiative and the ideas that come from it never fail to impress.”
