Antoinette Lattouf has spoken in detail for the first time since she won the unfair dismissal lawsuit against the ABC.
ABC Southbank studios in Melbourne will open to the public on Saturday July 26, as part of this year’s Open House Melbourne weekend. Note that you must pre-book a ticket.
The second release of tickets is tomorrow (July 5) at 10am AEST.
Applications open for the ABC Trailblazers Program
Applications are now open for the 2026 ABC Trailblazers Program for emerging regional leaders who are creating positive change in their communities.
Encouraged to apply are 18–28 year olds who are leading social, educational, environmental or economic projects in regional areas.
“As an advocate for underrepresented communities, I’m grateful to have participated in the Trailblazers program,” says Trailblazer alumna Yolanda Kanyai.
Originally from Zimbabwe and now based in Darwin, Yolanda founded Vibrant Diverse Cultures (VDC) to support people from diverse backgrounds through mentoring and wellness initiatives.
“Trailblazers gave us a platform to showcase VDC’s work in building community resilience. It was empowering to connect with changemakers across regional Australia,” Yolanda says.
Each year, up to 20 regional changemakers are selected to join the program, receiving a support package including a leadership intensive at the Heywire Regional Youth Summit, aimed at empowering young regional leaders to share their stories with the nation, and funding opportunities.
Trailblazers gave Clancy Lester, an ecologist from Numurkah in Victoria, a platform to share his work increasing insect biodiversity. Clancy’s Native Bee Hotels project educates people about creating eco-friendly habitats for native bees and pollinators through workshops and community projects.
“Being a country kid that wears footy shorts and a singlet for half the year, getting the chance to go to Parliament House and rub shoulders with the people who can make it happen was pretty awesome,” Clancy says.
“Through the program’s guidance, connections and exposure, all the pieces came together, giving my project the direction and momentum it needed to reach millions of people.”
Since its launch in 2017, more than 130 young people have participated in the Trailblazers program, connecting with fellow changemakers, advancing their projects and sharing their work with a national audience across the ABC.
The Hon. Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, encourages young rural and regional leaders to apply for the 2026 Trailblazers program to elevate their projects and make a difference in their communities.
“Alumni from the Trailblazers program are making positive changes in communities right across our nation,” she says. “The program provides a unique opportunity for participants to get inspired, grow their projects and collaborate with other young leaders. I strongly encourage aspiring community leaders to apply.”
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks says Trailblazers offers a powerful platform.
“The ABC is proud to provide young community leaders, social entrepreneurs and advocates with the chance to highlight their exceptional work on a national level,” he says.
“Past Trailblazers have inspired us with their community-driven initiatives and I eagerly anticipate the ideas and innovations that will come forward in 2026.”
Submit your application through the Trailblazers website by Sunday 3 August 2025.
The ABC’s Trailblazers program sits under the umbrella of the Heywire program, which the ABC has run in partnership with the Australia Government since 1998.
The ABC’s Trailblazers program is supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts; the Department of Health and Aged Care; the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations; the Office for Youth; and AgriFutures Australia.
Brisbane Open House 2025
On Saturday, July 19th, ABC Brisbane will once again open its doors to the public from 8.45am to 3.00pm.
Get your tickets here.
Step behind the scenes of the ABC and unlock the secrets of television and radio production.
There’s plenty of things to see and do:
- Meet your favourite presenters from ABC Radio Brisbane and TV News
- Try your hand at presenting the TV News weather;
- Be the first to grab Jenny Woodward’s 2026 Weather Calendar;
- Grab a photo and cuddle with the Bananas in Pyjamas;
- See a fully restored, 1920’s 4QG Gramophone and relive 100 years of 612 ABC Radio Brisbane;
- Hang with your favourite ABC Kids characters in our colouring corner;
- Meet the Emergency Broadcasting team;
- Plus get the chance to meet ABC presenters from around the country:
- Lisa Millar from Muster Dogs (now a Gold Logie nominee)
- Costa Georgiadis from Gardening Australia
- James Glenday from News Breakfast
- Nate Byrne from News Breakfast
- Nathan and Chief from Muster Dogs
Event details:
Date: Saturday 19 July
Time: 8.45am to 3.00pm
Location: 114 Grey Street, South Bank
Surprised ABC Sydney hasn’t done one to show off the new digs at Parramatta. Or one at Ultimo. Or have they done one and realised moving to Parramatta to satisfy Western Sydney was a waste of time and money.