More than 30 school-aged students will ‘takeover’ Lismore this week to share their stories as part of the ABC’s Takeover Youth Summit.

The summit, which is running now until Friday, 24 May, is a partnership between the ABC, the Office for Youth; Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).

ABC producers have worked with around 1,000 young people from Lismore and the Northern Rivers region since late last year. Thirty-four students have been selected to have their stories and ideas featured on the ABC during the summit and beyond.

The winning stories showcase the diversity and bravery of young people in the region. They include stories featuring: dreams of becoming a Paralympian, connection to country and culture, experiencing homelessness and growing up in a Viking village.

ABC Managing Director David Anderson said the ABC was proud to showcase the lived experience of a new generation of leaders.

“This group of young storytellers demonstrate the tremendous sense of community on the Northern Rivers. We’re thrilled to be able to share these stories with the nation and support these young people as their share their stories.”

Fareeha is one of this year’s winners. She says that at times, as a young person, she’s felt “helpless” in the face of challenges that the area has faced but is passionate about her local community.

“In such a small community, we’ve all got something we can relate on, we’ve all seen each other at the shops, at sports clubs,” she says. “When we all know each other and we’ve got that sense of strong community, I feel like that’s what pushed us through the floods.”

Next week the Takeover Lismore winners will have the opportunity to take part in leadership and networking events, and the chance to contribute to projects helping the young people of Lismore to thrive.

Takeover aims to help young people feel empowered to create the change they want to see in their local area. The Takeover program would not be possible without the ABC’s partnership with the Office for Youth; Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), whose support brings the program to life.

“We're ensuring young people have opportunities to share their experiences and ideas on issues that are important to them, through our national youth engagement model and by supporting programs like Takeover,” says The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for Youth.

“We can all learn by listening to the lived experiences of young people.”

To create change on these issues, FRRR will be offering support to community organisations who will work with the Summit participants on their ideas and develop grant projects together.

“These are our leaders of tomorrow,” says FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton. “FRRR is inspired to be part of their journey and to invest in the local community so young people can have a powerful say in the future of their region.”

Takeover Lismore winners will be featured across the ABC this week. You can find out more information about the program at: abc.net.au/takeover/programs/takeover-lismore. If you are interested in attending summit events, please email [email protected].

Be inspired by their stories and ideas at this ABC Takeover Lismore event as the ABC roll out the red carpet for the world premiere of the ABC Takeover Lismore winners' stories – on the big screen! 

RED CARPET CINEMA SCREENING 

5:30 – 8:00pm, tonight (Tuesday May 21, 2024) at the Star Court Theatre, 126 Molesworth St, Lismore NSW. 

Please RSVP for the Cinema Screening at this link. Filling up fast! 

YOUTH IDEAS LAUNCH 

1.00-2:45pm, Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Oakes Oval (New Grandstand), 144 Magellan St, Lismore NSW. 

ABC Takeover winners present their big ideas to improve life for young people in Lismore. 

Please RSVP ASAP: https://events.humanitix.com/takeover-lismore-youth-ideas-launch  .