THE Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal is inviting not-for-profit organisations to collaborate with local young people in remote, rural and regional communities to design and deliver local solutions that respond to the issues that matter most to Australia’s rural youth.

Earlier this month, more than 30 young people from across rural Australia attended a week-long summit in Canberra, where they shared their stories and discussed their most common areas of concern.

Issues discussed include helping young people learn about respectful relationships and consent; connecting young people with development opportunities in their communities; helping communities connect without alcohol or drugs; supporting regional communities before and after a disaster; removing barriers and bias in healthcare for regional young people; and creating safe spaces where young people can connect and grow.

Through the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program, local groups and NFPs are now invited to put forward an idea for a grant of up to $10,000 to activate a locally designed initiative that addresses one of the issues discussed.

The submissions will then be shortlisted by the young people who identified the issues, with a number of organisations invited to submit full applications. They will then be reviewed by a Youth Assessment Panel, who will recommend which projects should be funded.

Zein, from Wollongong, is a 2025 Heywire winner and was part of the group identifying the need for more safe spaces and places where they feel like they belong.

“It was great to come together and realise that we have some many common challenges,” Zein said.

“I’m excited to be part of the panel that will review the local solutions community groups and other young people come up with to respond to the issues we identified.”

Deb Samuels, FRRR’s Head of Partnerships, said the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program is a great opportunity for young people to step up as leaders and local changemakers.

“Over the past 13 years, we’ve seen firsthand the catalytic impact that occurs when young people are given the opportunity to address issues that matter to them in ways that work for their own communities,” she said.

“This year we are calling on rural councils, schools and community organisations to put this opportunity in front of young people, and to support them to imagine their own solutions and access the support to see those ideas brought to life.”

Young changemakers at the 2026 ABC Heywire Regional Youth Summit in Canberra (Image by Bradley Cummings).

Justin Stevens, ABC Director News, said the program continues to empower young people to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities.

“The ABC Heywire Regional Summit brings together young people from every corner of Australia, and the issues they identify reflect the real challenges facing young people on the ground,” he said.

“FRRR’s funding plays an important role in the Heywire program. It enables communities to create real impact, while reinforcing to young people that their voices matter and that they can be leaders in their communities.”

This round, there is $100,000 in funding available nationally, thanks to the generous support of The Sally Foundation, David Mactaggart Foundation, Kellogg’s and private donors. EOIs close 5pm AEDT Wednesday,  Marc11h, with those invited required to submit full applications by April 30. Recipients will be announced in July. More information about the grants can be found at Heywire Youth Innovation Grants.