After another successful event in Tamar Valley, we’re shining a spotlight on just some of the amazing young people who are celebrating their communities
Heywire puts young people at the centre of the conversation by giving young regional, rural and remote students the opportunity to take part in the national discussion and drive projects that contribute to the wellbeing of their peers, their schools, communities and themselves.
We’re proud to support Heywire through our Regional, Rural and Remote Youth Engagement Grant. This grant helps to ensure the delivery of Heywire’s national storytelling competition, youth summits, community grants programs, the Trailblazers program and Heywire Local, a place-based initiative that supports young people in selected communities to create positive local change.
Heywire stories
Take Jeremy, who channelled his grief into supporting Aboriginal health and leadership. After losing 3 family members at a young age, Jermey used his faith to drive action in his community.
Two weeks after turning 18, Jeremy joined the Katherine West Health Board to tackle Indigenous smoking, helping to deliver programs that support better health in remote communities. He also joined the Army Reserves NORFORCE in the Arnhem Squadron, the NT Youth Roundtable and the Katherine Justice Reinvestment youth advisory board.
Jermey said his goal is to “build something better for the next generation,” using his Dad’s teachings as an example. “My faith, my family, and the lessons my dad taught me helped me stay strong.”
Hanalie is also supporting her local community, volunteering for the Country Fire Service (CFS) while still in school after the Mount Gambier bushfire in 2022.
Upon joining the SFA, Hanalie found instant support. She was given a uniform and met by the local cadet supervisors. Her whole unit even agreed to postpone live fire training so she could take part!
“I still wear most of that same uniform — and a smile — to training each week… Joining the CFS changed me. I’ve become part of a community.”
Tamar Valley
Held in late September 2026, Heywire Tamar Valley celebrated the stories of 34 local winners from across the region through events including the Red Carpet Premiere and Youth Ideas Festival. The event was supported by local communities and stakeholders, celebrating young people’s ideas and advocacy.
Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth, Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh also attended, congratulating the winners and highlighting the important role that programs like Heywire play to include young people from regional, rural and remote Australia in national conversations. She recognised how Heywire effectively provides young people with a platform to share their stories, shape solutions to local challenges and strengthen their communities.
To read more of these incredible stories from young people from around the country, make sure to visit Heywire’s website.
Learn more about Jeremy’s story
Learn more about Hanalie’s story.