In Ballarat, Victoria, young voices are finding a platform through ABC Takeover, a storytelling initiative that empowers regional youth to share their personal narratives. Among these young storytellers is 17-year-old Toby, who has faced significant challenges while still in high school. His father was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021 and later with brain cancer earlier this year. “I sacrificed [by] missing school to make the trip to Melbourne to support my dad in each and every way,” Toby shared.
Despite the hardships, Toby’s father is now on the road to recovery, but the journey has been arduous for the entire family. To cope with the stress, Toby turns to singing and bowling, activities that bring him joy and a sense of accomplishment. He began singing five years ago and even won an award for his rendition of “Nutbush” last year. Additionally, Toby excelled in bowling, clinching the local league title in 2021. “That made me feel really happy. It was the best time of my life,” he said.
Overcoming Adversity Through Alternative Learning
Allysa, an 18-year-old from Ballarat, also faced her share of challenges during her schooling years. “From like the start of year seven, I didn’t have a very good start to high school. [I was] relentlessly bullied all year, and I just needed a way out,” she recalled. Allysa found solace in alternative education at Yuille Park Community College, where she became the only Year 12 student and the first to complete the Victorian Pathway Certificate. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities alternative learning provided and believes others could benefit from her story.
John, a 16-year-old student at the same college, left home at 15 and has since been navigating independence. He believes sharing stories like his can inspire others to speak up about their situations and raise awareness for youth mental health.
The ABC Takeover Initiative
These young individuals are part of more than 600 students from Ballarat who have submitted their stories to ABC Takeover. This storytelling competition, designed for youth aged 15 to 19 in regional areas, aims to equip them with the skills and platform needed to share their unique experiences with a broader audience. The initiative, which began in 2022, has already broadcasted the stories of 240 young people from various regions, including Shepparton, Mildura, and Melbourne.
According to Swathi Shanmukhasundaram, a producer from Takeover, the selection process is meticulous. “There are multiple things that go into it. The most important thing is: is this young person passionate about the thing that they’re sharing? Is there a story structure in there that the producer can play with? And some of our best entries come from stories that were two lines,” she explained.
Impact and Future Prospects
The Takeover Ballarat Summit, scheduled for June 2026, will showcase the stories of 35 winners, culminating in a five-day event with a red-carpet screening and ideas presentation. This summit will provide young participants with leadership development opportunities and a chance to engage with community leaders on improving their local environments.
Pat, a 15-year-old from Ballarat Specialist School, emphasized the importance of such events. “I feel like young people definitely do deserve a chance to talk out their feelings, because of course, a lot of people have been saying they’re the new generation. They’re probably going to lead the world,” he said. Allysa added, “I think it’s important for all young people to tell the adults how it is and share their story and know that not everyone’s the same, but we can all learn to accept each other.”
The initiative not only provides a platform for youth voices but also fosters a sense of community and understanding. As Allysa noted, “The more we share, the more it can inspire other young people.”
