Young people take over Mildura in May

More than 30 school-aged students will ‘takeover’ Mildura next week to share their stories as part of the ABC’s Takeover Youth Summit. 
 
The summit, which runs from 22 May to 26 May, is a partnership between the ABC, VicHealth’s Future Healthy program, the Victorian Government and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).  
 
ABC producers have been working with around 1,000 young people from Mildura and the Sunraysia region over the past several months. Thirty-five students have been selected to have their stories and ideas featured on ABC Local Radio during the summit and beyond. 
 
The winning stories showcase the diversity and bravery of young people in the region. They include: discovering the intergenerational practise of collecting emu eggs; sharing Nana’s treasured recipe for Anzac biscuits; dreams of playing cricket for the Australian women’s team; and signing a record contract at the age of 14.  
 
Acting Director of ABC Regional and Local, Warwick Tiernan, said the ABC was proud to share stories from the regional leaders of tomorrow. “We’ve unearthed a wide range of diverse and inspiring of stories in Mildura and our winners and their ABC producers can’t wait to share them with the nation.” 
 
Cham is one of this year’s winners. He said he was grateful to be able to share his story about moving to Red Cliffs, near Mildura, from the Philippines.  
 
"I was excited to get the news that I was a Takeover Mildura winner,” Cham said. "It's a really huge opportunity. I'm looking forward to improving my leadership skills and interacting with people my own age, and with older community members and business leaders." 
 
Next week the Takeover Mildura winners will have the opportunity to take part in leadership and networking events, and the chance to share their ideas for change.  
 
The Takeover program would not be possible without the ABC’s partnership with VicHealth, the Victorian Government and FRRR, whose support brings the program to life.  
 
“We are so excited to be partnering with the ABC, which has brought the Takeover program to the incredible young people of Mildura,” says Dr Sandro Demaio, VicHealth’s CEO. “VicHealth is proud to be ensuring young voices are heard on issues that are important to them and glad they are being given the platform to share their lived experience.” 
 
“These young people have so much to say about what life is like in regional Australia right now,” says the Hon. Natalie Suleyman MP, Victoria’s Minister for Youth. “We’re proud to help share these outstanding young voices in regional Victoria, as part of our Youth Strategy.”  

To further back these ideas, FRRR will be offering support to community organisations to adopt and adapt the ideas developed by Summit participants.
 
“These are our leaders of tomorrow,” says FRRR People Team Lead Deb Samuels. “FRRR is inspired to be part of their journey and to invest in the local community so young people’s ideas can become a reality.”  
 
Takeover Mildura winners will be featured across the ABC during the week of 22 May. You can find out more information about the program at: abc.net.au/takeovermildura. If you are interested in attending summit events, please email [email protected].  

For more information please contact:

Alexandra Neill
ABC Producer, Takeover Mildura
[email protected]
0431 815 664