ABC’s Takeover program is heading to Ballarat in 2025 – Takeover offers young people a platform for their voices and perspectives to be heard on the ABC and celebrated in their communities.
Justin Stevens, ABC Director of News, said that the ABC is proud of its longstanding history working in regional areas to bring stories to a national audience.
“Takeover is a wonderful opportunity to elevate the voices of young people who grew up in regional areas. It assists the ABC in telling a more complete picture of our nation from all communities,”
– he said.
The ABC’s principal partner, VicHealth is proud to continue their legacy of creating space for young people to share their stories and participate in projects that positively impact their communities.
Professor Anna Peeters, CEO of VicHealth says:
“Creating a safe space in regional areas allows young people to confidently speak their truth and is a powerful way for them to feel more connected with their communities,”
– she said
Providing a safe space for young people to share their experience is a powerful way for young people in regional areas to feel more connected with their community,”
– she said.
“VicHealth is proud to support Takeover Ballarat and we’re looking forward to hearing the stories and ideas of young people from the region.”
The ABC are looking to hear from a diverse range of young people.
Dr Jess Walsh, the Minister for Youth is excited to see the stories uncovered in Ballarat:
“ABC Takeover is an absolute highlight of the year, and I loved attending the inspiring Takeover in Burnie, Tasmania.”
“I can’t wait to hear what the young people of Ballarat have to say and what matters to them.”
“Programs like ABC Takeover give young people the opportunity to be celebrated for everything they contribute – and I’m proud that the Albanese Government is helping to bring Takeover to Ballarat.”
The program will culminate in a five-day youth summit, to be held in the heart of Ballarat in June 2026.
City of Ballarat’s Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves affirmed the importance of youth voices, and how exciting programs like Takeover can offer great opportunities to young people.
“Our Youth Strategy 2022-2026 vision is for young people to be supported to reach their full potential in a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment – and we feel ABC’s Takeover program aligns with this.”
“I’m excited to hear the voices and ideas of young people from our community. We hope to see as many young people as we can take up this opportunity and have their voices celebrated.”
The Takeover Ballarat Summit, to be held in mid-2026, will see the stories of up to 35 Winners celebrated through a red-carpet screening and an Ideas Presentation, highlighting their ideas for making the community an even better place to grow up.
Through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), funding will be available to bring the youth-developed ideas to life in their community.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR says:
“Young people in regional areas grow up in environments that have opportunities and challenges that are unique to them. We’re thrilled to support this opportunity for the youth to not only voice their ideas but also take action.”
“At the Summit, they will come together with local not-for-profit organisations to brainstorm ideas to create positive change in their community. We’ll then back these projects with small grants, helping to make their communities even better places to live, work and play.”
Young people who live, work or study in Ballarat and are aged 15 – 18 can submit entries via the Takeover website from Wednesday 8 October.
ABC Takeover acknowledges the support of VicHealth, City of Ballarat, Centre for Multicultural Youth, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and the Office for Youth.
Find out more information about the program at: abc.net.at/takeover
Media Release – ABC
Link to ABC iview HERE
TV Central ABC content HERE
ABC’s Takeover program is heading to Ballarat in 2025
