Apply Now for the 2027 ABC Trailblazers Program
If you are between 18 and 28 and making a real, tangible difference in your regional, rural, or remote community, the spotlight is calling your name. Applications for the 2027 ABC Heywire Trailblazers program are officially open, and we want to hear your story.
The ABC Trailblazers program champions and celebrates dynamic young leaders who are driving grassroots change across regional Australia. Whether you are leading a project solo or collaborating with a small team, this initiative is designed to elevate your voice and amplify the impact of your work on a national stage.
We are looking for passionate young people running impact initiatives across four core areas:
Social Development: Projects that build community connection, support youth mental health, and foster inclusion for diverse groups.
Educational Initiatives: Programs that expand access to education, provide mentorship, and create new educational pathways for regional youth.
Environmental Advocacy: Innovative approaches to local conservation, sustainable farming, and the protection of regional ecosystems.
Economic Growth: Entrepreneurial ideas and social enterprises that boost local employment, regional tourism, and community resilience.
Why You Should Apply
Being selected as a Trailblazer is more than just recognition; it is a powerful catalyst for your project. Participants receive national media coverage across ABC platforms, storytelling mentorship from experienced producers, and access to a vibrant nationwide network of fellow regional changemakers. It is an incredible opportunity to scale your local initiative and connect with industry leaders who can help bring your vision to life.
How to Apply for the 2027 Intake
If you are already running a community-building project where you live, or know an inspiring young leader who deserves recognition, do not let this opportunity pass.
Deadline: Complete and submit your online application form by 1 August.
Eligibility: Open to regional, rural, and remote Australian residents aged 18 to 28.
Questions: If you need help with your submission or have specific queries about your eligibility, reach out directly to the team via email at abcheywire@abc.net.au.
Stay connected and get the latest news, application tips, and inspiration by following us on Instagram at @abc_heywire. Your community is already benefiting from your passion, and we are ready to help you take it to the next level.
To get a real sense of what this program looks like in action and how past participants have pitched their initiatives, check out the LIVE: Heywire: Trailblazers 2023 Presentations, which showcases previous alumni sharing the inspiring stories of the grassroots projects they developed to strengthen their regional communities.
