The ABC’s Takeover program is heading to the town of Lismore in the Northern Rivers of NSW in 2024.
A partnership between the ABC, the Office for Youth and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), Takeover offers young people a platform for their unique voices and perspectives to be heard and celebrated.
Justin Stevens, ABC Director of News, said the ABC was looking forward to bringing Takeover to Lismore.
“Takeover is a celebration of local community and gives a voice to the young people who live there,” he said.
“The Lismore community has shown immense resilience over recent years. The ABC is looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with Lismore’s young people to help bring their stories to the nation.”
Over the coming months, young people from across Lismore and surrounding regions will participate in storytelling workshops to help craft their personal narrative pieces for submission.
In early 2024, at least 35 winners will be selected and have their stories produced as ABC content, before attending the Takeover Youth Summit in May.
The summit will bring together young people, community leaders and partners of the program to develop youth-led ideas to make their community an even better place to live for young people.
The Takeover program would not be possible without the support of the Office for Youth, which co-funds the program with the ABC.
“We’re excited to be coming on board to sponsor Takeover for the first time, helping empower young people in Lismore to share their stories and experiences,” said Minister for Youth Dr Anne Aly.
“The Takeover program complements our new Youth Engagement Model, giving young people opportunities to be heard on the issues that matter to them.”
To further support ideas developed at the Takeover Summit, FRRR will offer support to community organisations to adopt and adapt the ideas developed by Summit participants.
