More than 30 students from the six secondary schools in Western Australia’s Goldfields region are part of the ABC’s Takeover Goldfields Youth Summit this week. The summit is a collaboration between the ABC, the Australian Government’s Office for Youth and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).

ABC producers have been working with the local students since February to help bring their stories to life. Now a group of young storytellers has been selected to share their powerful ideas and lived experience throughout the week and beyond on the ABC’s radio, TV and digital platforms. Ranging from life in a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) family to equine therapy and snake handling, these stories reflect the diversity, resilience and creativity of the region’s youth.

Kyndra, one of the winners, has experienced housing instability and wanted to raise awareness of youth homelessness:

“There’s not many opportunities [for young people] to speak out. I think it’s important for people to actually hear what’s going on for the new generation.”

The winners will be celebrated at a red-carpet screening at the Goldfields Arts Centre as well as featuring in on-air interviews across ABC programs. They’ll also this week take part in workshops and events with community leaders, youth networks, politicians and media professionals aimed at helping young people turn their ideas into impact.

To help bring some of these ideas to life FRRR will offer support to community organisations interested in partnering with students on grant-funded local projects.

The CEO of FRRR Natalie Egleton said:

“We are excited to be part of bringing the very first Takeover program to Western Australia. We know the ideas developed by these young people will make their communities stronger, more vibrant and sustainable.”

You can watch the winning stories and follow the week’s events at: https://www.abc.net.au/takeover/programs/takeover-goldfields

If you are interested in attending summit events, on until May 23, email: [email protected]