Applications for the ABC’s 2022 Trailblazers program are now open, giving regional Australia’s brightest new leaders the chance to showcase their work. 

The Trailblazers program provides an opportunity for those aged from 18 to 28, who are driving positive social change in their regional communities, to have their projects celebrated nationally. 

Successful applicants of the program will receive a broad range of support such as having their stories told on the ABC, exclusive access to the Trailblazer Development Fund and mentoring programs that will help the applicants share their stories and build their leadership capacity. 

Past Trailblazer winner Sam Wilson created Sober Mates, an educational community that explores regional Australia’s relationship with alcohol. 

“This has been the most influential program I’ve done to bring Sober Mates to a larger audience and to build on what I have already created. I’m so thankful for the networks and resources this program gave me,” she said. 

“And now Sober Mates has received one of the Trailblazers Development Fund grants to create more sober moments for our community.” 

Meanwhile, ABC Trailblazer Dre Ngatokorua, who is a proud Wangkangurru, Adnyamathanha, Kuyani, Luritja, Dieri, Yankunytjatjara man from Cook Island and Maori ancestry, applied for the program last year with his project ‘MoZzi: Always Remember to Stay Deadly!’ 

He runs various multimedia workshops in his community, giving young people a voice and encouraging them to think of media as a possible career option. 

“From a conversation with a friend about applying, I am so happy and grateful I decided to submit my application. The Trailblazer program has helped me learn how to present an idea and bring it to life,” he said. 

“From the shared networks, the knowledge and the friendships, being a Trailblazer was an important step for me as a person. I have now grown as a leader in my community.” 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce has encouraged the youth to be involved with the program. 

“The Trailblazers initiative is a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people running community-strengthening projects in regional Australia to take their work to the next level,” Minister Joyce said. 

“So many young people from our regions are having an incredible impact on their communities. Trailblazers highlight the strength they demonstrate as emerging leaders, and their dedication and passion for driving change.” 

The Australian Government’s Trailblazer Development Fund is now into its second year. Its grants have supported Trailblazers in their vision to make a difference in regional communities. 

The ABC’s Director of Regional & Local Judith Whelan said the Trailblazers program was one of the content partnerships she was most proud of. 

“Seeing some of last year’s inspiring projects grow and strengthen, has been a joy.  This has only been possible through the grants made available by the Sally Foundation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, and I thank them for it,” she said.

“We are seeing the real impact and real change in those regional communities that have benefited from when the Trailblazer first launched in 2017. Now, more regional communities – through the young leaders – have the opportunity to participate with the launch of Trailblazers 2022, and I look forward to seeing what great projects will come from it.” 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Media Release

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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