National Recognition for Moree Local Alyssa in Heywire

Each year the ABC Heywire competition celebrates the stories and ideas of young regional Australians. Since 1998, Heywire has become a powerful platform for rural youth to share their stories and make a difference in their communities.

Hundreds of people entered from across Australia this year and winners were chosen for "telling it Like it is" about Life in their part of the country. From growing up in a refugee camp, to busting myths around Autism and celebrating LGBTQI pride. Lawn bowlers, bull riders, young farmers, Linguists, female cricketers, and disability advocates share what Life is Like for them in regional Australia.

This year, Alyssa from Moree has been recognised for her entry “Racism is real, but I won't let it drag my brothers and me down”. She shares her story of being subject to racism as an Indigenous kid, that being black is a gift and how she is a proud a proud Kamilaroi young woman and past school captain at Moree Secondary College, as well as how she can set an example for her younger brothers and sisters.

Mark Coulton MP, Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government applauded the winners. ""Heywire continues to empower young regional, rural and remote Australians  to share their stories, ensuring their voices are heard far and wide. It is why the Australian Government is proud to be an ongoing sponsor of the program. Many of these young people have grown up facing issues Like drought, bushfires, floods and now the COVID-19 pandemic, and they continue to put their best foot forward to drive change in their communities." Minister Coulton said.

You can listen to and read Alyssa’s entry and view the other winning entries on the Heywire website.