Trailblazers head to Canberra to showcase their projects for change

This week, young change-makers from around the country will descend on Canberra as part of the ABC’s Trailblazers program.

This year’s winners showcase the passion and ingenuity of regional Australia’s young people and their dedication to driving positive social change in their communities. From wildlife carers to women in aviation, young engineers to agriculture podcasters, the winners’ projects set out to strengthen regional communities and industries.

The Canberra Summit marks the culmination of the Trailblazers program during which the winners have had their stories celebrated on the ABC and received mentoring to build their leadership capacity. They will also receive exclusive access to grants via the Trailblazers Development Fund.

Eleanor McCormack from Ulverstone in Tasmania is passionate about helping young people start their careers at home. For her, Trailblazers is the “opportunity of a lifetime”.

She says, “I was never sure I’d even see [my project] become a reality, let alone pitch it at Parliament House. I’m so honoured and excited to be a part of such a fabulous Trailblazers cohort. I can’t wait to learn from the other winners and industry experts and take that knowledge back to my community.”

Since arriving in Canberra on Monday, Trailblazers have visited several Government departments, toured the ABC’s Canberra studios, and participated in leadership workshops.

Tomorrow, the group will be presenting at Parliament House, sharing their ideas for change with representatives from Government, the ABC, and the not-for-profit sector.

Director of ABC Regional & Local, Judith Whelan, says, “The ABC is proud to be able to bring the stories of this next generation of regional leaders to the nation.

“They have great new ideas for how to connect and strengthen regional communities, something we care very much about as well. And it is important that these new voices and ideas are heard.”

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