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The Buloke Times
Eliott’s Inspiring Canberra Experience
3 min read

 “Exhilarating. Inspiring. Life-changing” is how Birchip’s Eliott Bidstrup described his recent involvement in the ABC Heywire regional Youth Summit in Canberra.

From February 3-7, over 30 young people aged 16-25 descended upon Australia’s capital to discuss ideas on how to improve life for regional Australian youth.

Joining the Summit was 2024 Heywire winner Eliott, from Birchip, who shared his story of coming out as transgender in a small community.

“I felt that my story could really empower and inspire other young people like me who are going through the same kind of journey, and knowing that you are not the only one, and that there are other people like you who will listen to you,” Eliott said.

Heywire winners were treated to an all-expenses paid trip to Canberra, where they were accommodated for by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

“My favourite thing about the week was being able to connect with lots of other young Australians who had come from regional areas, and being able to hear everyone’s stories and how inspiring they were,” Eliott said.

Ideas

Throughout the week, Heywirers worked in small groups to develop ideas to improve life for young people living in regional Australia. These ideas, which included mental health, diversity and inclusion, connection to Country, transport, and sex education, will soon be available to community groups who will apply for these grants and bring the ideas to life.

Eliott focused on diversity and inclusion with his group members Rowen (from Renmark), Mike (Broken Hill), Amelia (Bendigo), Nada (Toowoomba), and Eaknoor (Seymour), along with their mentor Mitch.

“My group came up with a project that we called ‘The Bigger Picture’,” Eliott said.

“It was about promoting diversity in regional communities and giving a chance for young people to share their unique stories with other people who might not exactly have lived with those experiences or understand it.”

Heywirers presented their ideas to politicians, change makers and officials in Parliament House’s Theatrette, where they received positive feedback on their pitches.

Eliott was able to meet with the Member for Mallee, Anne Webster, who was interested in his story and group project.

Gala Dinner

The week culminated with a Gala Dinner at Parliament House, where Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, made a surprise appearance.

“The Prime Minister was very intimidating, but I couldn’t miss the opportunity to meet him,” laughed Eliott.

The dinner allowed Heywire winners to reflect on their busy week and how close they had all come together as a group.

Minister for Youth, Dr. Anne Aly MP, addressed the young changemakers and reflected on their incredible achievements.

“I have to admit that after watching your videos and getting to know a little bit about you, I'm in a little bit of fan girl mode myself, and I am in absolute awe of all of the things that you are achieving, both individually and collectively,” Anne said.

“To the Heywire winners here tonight you have each shown strength, resilience and courage. And even just speaking with young people on my table, I have to say, to see young people who are so willing and take real pride and joy from being able to help others truly gives me hope.”

“Your story matters. It's the way that you make change. I learned that the first time I spoke about my history and my story. Change doesn't happen if you're silent. So keep telling your stories, tell them loudly, tell them proudly, be bold, dream big, and of course, have fun on the way,” concluded Anne.

“The gala dinner was far more fancy that what I anticipated, and I couldn’t read half of the words on the menu!” Eliott said.

“We all had some good fun, and it was a really nice end to our whole Heywire journey.

“I think the Heywire program really makes a positive impact because it allows young regional Australians to tell their story, and actually come together, and think of how they could make a positive change in their communities.

“It inspires both the Heywire winners and anyone who reads their stories and reminds them that change is possible, and that young people can make change.”