The ABC has announced the 32 young winners of the inaugural Takeover Melbourne storytelling competition.
Among the winners is Sam from Brighton East who was awarded for his story about a special present he received that made all the difference to young Sam who lives with cerebral palsy.
Takeover Melbourne is a new initiative from the ABC in partnership with VicHealth, Resilient Melbourne and the Centre for Multicultural Youth, amplifying the voices of young Melburnians (aged 12 to 18 years).
Despite the many challenges faced by Melburnians this year, hundreds of young people from across Melbourne stepped up to share their stories. Thirty-two winners were selected, representing each of the local Government areas of Greater Melbourne, to have their stories featured on the ABC.
From living with cerebral palsy, to overcoming internalised racism, from finishing year 12 during COVID-19 to rebuilding after the Black Saturday bushfires, the stories showcase the resilience and talent of Melbourne’s young people. From disability advocates and geologists to musicians and sport fanatics, the 32 stories paint a vivid picture of Melbourne in 2020.
Director of ABC Regional and Local, Judith Whelan, said the Takeover Melbourne Competition is an important platform for young people living in Greater Melbourne to make a difference.
“Congratulations to all of the winners for proudly sharing your courageous and powerful stories. Stories like these have the ability to bring us together as a community.”
CEO of VicHealth, Dr Sandro Demaio, also congratulated the winners, saying: “After such a challenging year for Melburnians, it’s more important than ever that young people are heard in the conversation about the future of their city.”
The Takeover Melbourne winners will be showcased across the ABC, so keep an eye out for their stories on ABC Radio Melbourne and on ABC TV. They will also be celebrated in a virtual Gala event on December 3, streamed live on the ABC Melbourne Facebook page.
See the full list of Takeover Melbourne winners and hear their stories.
Takeover Melbourne is made possible through partnership with Resilient Melbourne, VicHealth and the Centre for Multicultural Youth, as well as with the support of the 32 local councils of Greater Melbourne.
