09-07-2025
Applications open for the ABC Trailblazers Program
Applications are now open for the 2026 ABC Trailblazers Program for emerging regional leaders who are creating positive change in their communities.
Encouraged to apply are 18–28 year olds who are leading social, educational, environmental or economic projects in regional areas.
'As an advocate for underrepresented communities, I'm grateful to have participated in the Trailblazers program,' says Trailblazer alumna Yolanda Kanyai.
Originally from Zimbabwe and now based in Darwin, Yolanda founded Vibrant Diverse Cultures (VDC) to support people from diverse backgrounds through mentoring and wellness initiatives.
'Trailblazers gave us a platform to showcase VDC's work in building community resilience. It was empowering to connect with changemakers across regional Australia,' Yolanda says.
Each year, up to 20 regional changemakers are selected to join the program, receiving a support package including a leadership intensive at the Heywire Regional Youth Summit, aimed at empowering young regional leaders to share their stories with the nation, and funding opportunities.
Trailblazers gave Clancy Lester, an ecologist from Numurkah in Victoria, a platform to share his work increasing insect biodiversity. Clancy's Native Bee Hotels project educates people about creating eco-friendly habitats for native bees and pollinators through workshops and community projects.
"Being a country kid that wears footy shorts and a singlet for half the year, getting the chance to go to Parliament House and rub shoulders with the people who can make it happen was pretty awesome," Clancy says.
"Through the program's guidance, connections and exposure, all the pieces came together, giving my project the direction and momentum it needed to reach millions of people."
Since its launch in 2017, more than 130 young people have participated in the Trailblazers program, connecting with fellow changemakers, advancing their projects and sharing their work with a national audience across the ABC.
The Hon. Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, encourages young rural and regional leaders to apply for the 2026 Trailblazers program to elevate their projects and make a difference in their communities.
'Alumni from the Trailblazers program are making positive changes in communities right across our nation,' she says. 'The program provides a unique opportunity for participants to get inspired, grow their projects and collaborate with other young leaders. I strongly encourage aspiring community leaders to apply.'
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks says Trailblazers offers a powerful platform.
"The ABC is proud to provide young community leaders, social entrepreneurs and advocates with the chance to highlight their exceptional work on a national level," he says.
"Past Trailblazers have inspired us with their community-driven initiatives and I eagerly anticipate the ideas and innovations that will come forward in 2026."
Submit your application through the Trailblazers website by Sunday 3 August 2025.
The ABC's Trailblazers program sits under the umbrella of the Heywire program, which the ABC has run in partnership with the Australia Government since 1998.
The ABC's Trailblazers program is supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts; the Department of Health and Aged Care; the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations; the Office for Youth; and AgriFutures Australia.
For more information and photos, or to organise interviews with Trailblazers from previous years, please contact:
Imogen Archer, Heywire Producer
Phone: 0429 077 111
Email:
