19-05-2025
YOUNG PEOPLE TAKE OVER GOLDFIELDS THIS WEEK
19 May 2025
More than 30 students from all six secondary schools in Western Australia's Goldfields region will take centre stage this week as part of the ABC's Takeover Goldfields Youth Summit, running from 19–23 May.
The summit is a collaboration between the ABC, the Australian Government's Office for Youth and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR). Since February, ABC producers have been working with local students to help bring their stories to life. Now a group of young storytellers has been selected to share their powerful ideas and lived experience on ABC platforms throughout the week and beyond.
Stories will appear 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.
For Kyndra, one of the winners, sharing her story has been an exciting and rewarding experience. Kyndra has grown up with housing instability and wants to raise awareness of youth homelessness.
'There's not many opportunities [for young people] to speak out,' she says. 'I think it's important for people to actually hear what's going on for the new generation.'
Winners will be celebrated at a red-carpet screening at the Goldfields Arts Centre and appear in on-air interviews across ABC programs.
ABC Director, News Justin Stevens said the Goldfields Takeover offers a rare insight into life for young people in the region.
'Their stories and ideas for community change deserve to be heard and celebrated,' he said.
Beyond the screening, the summit provides students with the chance to connect with community leaders, youth networks, politicians and media professionals. They'll also take part in workshops and leadership events aimed at helping young people turn their ideas into real community 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.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said that the long-standing partnership with ABC is an important part of the Foundation's commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders in remote, rural and regional communities.
'We are excited to be part of bringing the very first Takeover program to Western Australia,' she said. 'We know the ideas developed by these young people will make their communities stronger, more vibrant and sustainable.'
Catch the winning stories and follow the week's events at:
If you are interested in attending summit events, please email: takeover@
For more information please contact:
Alexandra Neill
ABC Senior Producer
Mob: 0431 815 664
