Inspiring Change: Meet the 2025 ABC Trailblazers

Championing Inclusion and Accessibility

Rheanca, a Toowoomba teenager living with chronic atopic dermatitis, knows firsthand the frustration of being dismissed by medical professionals. Her brown skin masked the telltale redness associated with eczema flares, leading doctors to repeatedly downplay her pain. "Every time, they'd remark that I 'looked fine'," Rheanca shared, highlighting the stark reality of medical textbooks primarily featuring white skin.

Driven by this experience, Rheanca, a former Heywire winner, co-founded "We Are Not Alone" after connecting with other young people with disabilities at the 2023 Heywire Summit. This initiative creates supportive spaces for disabled youth in regional areas, offering connection and understanding. Thanks to a FRRR Heywire Youth Innovation Grant, Rheanca’s team hosted a successful festival in Toowoomba, and now, as a 2025 Trailblazer, she's expanding the project to new regions.

Empowering Youth Through Diverse Initiatives

Across the country, young leaders are tackling a spectrum of challenges. In Canberra, Mijica Lus's "Aurosokwo Project" supports Pasifika youth through cultural and professional development, connecting Australia with its Pacific Island neighbours. Meanwhile, in Palmerston, NT, Yolanda Kanyai’s "Vibrant Diverse Cultures" uses sport and social innovation to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds.

In Numurkah, VIC, Clancy's passion for nature has blossomed into a mission to conserve native bees. His hands-on workshops teach communities how to create vital habitats for these crucial pollinators. From Gympie, QLD, the "Perseverance Street Theatre Company" is revitalizing the local arts scene, offering creative career pathways and engaging performances.

Alyssia in Burnie, TAS founded “Life After School,” providing high school students with practical life skills such as budgeting and understanding superannuation—information she herself lacked upon graduating. In Mildura, VIC, Tian founded “Ngamaka Kunthalaana,” offering culturally safe spaces and support for First Nations women and their children.

Down the NSW South Coast, "Sonder Youth" connects young people with their communities through environmental projects, fostering mental wellbeing and resilience. In Albany, WA, Joey, through their podcast "chronically.m.e.," shares their experience with chronic illnesses while advocating for accessibility and greater understanding. And finally, in Hobart, TAS, Tim Harmsen revived the "Winter Challenge," a multi-sport event encouraging people to push their limits in a supportive environment.

The ABC Trailblazers Program: A Platform for Change

These inspiring individuals are part of the 2025 ABC Trailblazers cohort, a group of 18-28 year-olds driving positive change in their regional communities. They receive a comprehensive support package, including a leadership intensive at the Heywire Regional Youth Summit.

"Regional, rural, and remote Australia is built by those who think outside the box," said Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, applauding the Trailblazers' community involvement.

ABC News director Justin Stevens echoed this sentiment: "It's inspiring to see the incredible talent in regional Australia showcased each year through the Trailblazers program."

The Ripple Effect of Empowerment: A Trailblazer’s Journey

The impact of the Trailblazers program is tangible. Jayden Sheridan, a 2022 Trailblazer, founded "Gnarly Neighbours" in Seymour, Victoria, offering skateboarding as a pathway to social inclusion for young people. Since becoming a Trailblazer, his project has expanded dramatically across regional Victoria, earning him nominations for Victorian Young Australian of the Year and national television appearances.

Jayden’s story demonstrates the power of the Trailblazers program: "I went from thinking I had to do it all on my own … to now knowing I have an amazing support network through the Trailblazer family and beyond.”