"I'm constantly reminding myself everyday of the impact that Heywire has had on my life.. wow I am so privileged to have taken part in something so inspiring and to have met such a diverse group of people."

Vera Cheffers, 18, Mildura, Vic

"Heywire was an affirmation that it is something special and valuable to live in regional Australia. It was the call to action we all needed to create the regional communities we want to live in, not the ones we had become used to."

Kate McAllister, 18, Albany, WA

"Heywire was the start of something huge for me. At the summit we came up with an idea for an event to celebrate diversity in small towns. The idea was so well received and I won a $7,000 grant to run the event in my community. It was an awesome day and now I am working on rolling out the idea across Australia."

Dayna Duncan, 16, Arno Bay, SA

"My Heywire experience proved to me that young people are capable of coming up with compelling, practical and thought-provoking ideas and projects that can really improve the lives of people our age."

Jarvis Holt, 17, Kurraca, Vic

"The Heywire Regional Youth Summit is the best kind of prize. It does not give you a trophy which collects dust over the years, rather, it makes you realise that you have a voice and that that voice could be powerful"

Alpha Capaque, 20, Darwin, NT

"The opportunity to speak on radio numerous times, meet and talk to people who work for the ABC and government, develop ideas for real change in regional Australia and then present that to such high profile figures, was unbelievable!"

Ben Galea, 18, Waterloo, Qld

"Alone each winner had a story, but together we created something far greater. At the Summit political leaders and ministers, members of corporations and foundations each stopped to listen to us. But not only did they listen, they took us seriously. We were important and so were our ideas."

Stephanie Beckedahl, Kariong, NSW

"I came out of Heywire with more confidence, leadership skills, and an idea to put an end to drink driving. Since then it's been amazing to watch our Keys Please idea take off. It's life-changing knowing that even as a young person from a small rural town you can have a major impact, and help so many young people get home safely."

Monique Edwards, 17, Kingston, SA

"Heywire has set me up with not only the practical skills and contacts, but also the self-belief to help improve rural communities. I met some incredible people, and had a positive and liberating experience."

Jane Gould, 18, Boort, Vic

"People actually recognise me now after seeing my Heywire video and hearing me on the ABC. I've been congratulated so many times and it's still happening, Heywire has had such a huge impact on my life."

Jess Weise, 19, Barcaldine, Qld

"Inspirational! The summit opened my eyes and made me realise I can change anything for the better if I put my mind, heart and soul into it. But doing this isn't all just hard work it's also a heap of dancing and singing along the way. Simply amazing!"

Melissa Kelly, 17, Ravenshoe, Qld