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ABC and VicHealth shine a spotlight on Melbourne’s remarkable young storytellers

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The ABC and VicHealth are delighted to announce the 25 young winners of the 2023 Takeover Melbourne storytelling competition.

Now in its fourth year, this competition continues to highlight the exceptional talents of Melbourne’s youth, offering a platform for their unique voices and perspectives to be heard and celebrated.

From the beautiful coastal town of Portland to the bustling streets of Richmond, hundreds of young Melburnians enthusiastically embraced the challenge of sharing their stories.

This year’s submissions cover a wide range of topics, including a courageous journey of escape from Afghanistan to pursue a passion for soccer in Australia, triumph over stage fright, and the relentless drive to play sports amidst adversity.

These captivating stories introduce us to a diverse tapestry of young talents. We’ve encountered a Pokémon champion who has developed life skills from the strategic game, a spirited Bharatanatyam dancer, and a ‘spirit child’ from the clan group of Kardu Diminm.

Takeover Melbourne winner Saathvika, from Fraser Rise in Melbourne’s west, shared her story about finding her voice through singing.

“I am incredibly grateful for my Takeover Melbourne experience,” she said. “I hope that someday, my stories and my voice, can inspire others. Opening up about my feelings has healed me and made me a better person. I encourage others to do the same.”

VicHealth CEO, Dr Sandro Demaio, said VicHealth is proud to support the Takeover Melbourne program as part of the Future Healthy initiative.

“At VicHealth, we believe in empowering young people and providing a platform for them to share their unique voices and lived experiences,” he said.

“It’s been incredible to witness the journey the young Takeover winners have experienced through the program, taking on the challenge of sharing their story and in many cases becoming advocates for their communities.

“Congratulations to all the young people who have been part of Takeover – in sharing your powerful stories you are helping to shape a healthier future for young people.”

Director of ABC News, Justin Stevens, congratulated the winners and emphasised the program’s value to both the ABC and the community.

“The success of Takeover can be attributed to the kindness and openness of young people, and their willingness to be brave and share their stories.

“The ABC is proud to provide a platform to share and amplify their stories and bring them to the community where they will be heard.”

The winning stories will be broadcast on ABC Radio Melbourne and available on the Story Stream via the ABC listen app throughout November and December. They will also be celebrated at a gala event in the heart of Melbourne in December 2023.

Takeover Melbourne is made possible thanks to the generous support of major partner VicHealth and their Future Healthy initiative. Additional support is provided by the Centre for Multicultural Youth.

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Gavin Fang appointed ABC Editorial Director

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The ABC has appointed Gavin Fang to the position of ABC Editorial Director.

Mr Fang is one of the ABC’s most respected and experienced news executives and currently holds the position of Deputy Director News.

ABC Managing Director David Anderson congratulated Mr Fang on his appointment.

“Gavin has had a very successful career at the ABC for more than two decades and brings to the leadership team the benefit of his considerable experience as a journalist and already has a strong track record as a leader across the organisation.

“The Editorial Director position is crucial to maintaining the highest editorial standards expected of our journalists and content makers across all areas of the ABC and ensuring our independence and editorial integrity are always protected.

“It is an important role on the ABC’s Leadership team. Gavin will be working with the Content Directors, leading the Editorial Policies team, setting and interpreting editorial standards to provide advice, training and guidance on referred pre-published content. This role also conducts editorial reviews as required.

“Gavin has gained great respect across the ABC for initiatives he has led, including as the Acting News Director and Acting Head Diversity and Inclusion. His appointment is a great outcome for the ABC.

“I would also like to thank current Acting Editorial Director, Simon Melkman, for his exceptional work in this position. Simon’s professionalism, calm demeanour and extensive knowledge of editorial policies and standards continues to be highly valued by me and across the ABC.”

Gavin Fang said:

“It is a privilege to be entrusted with a role helping to ensure the ABC remains Australia’s most trusted media organisation.

“Brave, accurate, fair and independent public interest journalism and storytelling, built on the bedrock of our high editorial standards, is a critical service we provide to all Australians.

“I am excited to be given the opportunity to support all our storytellers in this vital work.”

Gavin Fang will begin as Editorial Director in late January 2024.

Gavin Fang

Gavin has been a journalist for more than two decades, starting in newspapers in Western Australia before joining the ABC’s Perth newsroom in 2000.

His roles at the ABC have included working as a foreign correspondent based in Jakarta, Indonesia; Executive Producer in the Asia Pacific News Centre; ABC News Planning Editor; Managing Editor Coverage; and Head Network and Newsgathering before being promoted to Deputy Director News in 2022.

Gavin played a lead role in designing and implementing the More Relevant to More Australians News strategy and the One Sport strategy that established a new sport vertical. As ABC News Diversity Lead, Gavin designed and led diversity and inclusion initiatives and is a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee.

Fang replaces Judith Whelan, the former director of regional and local who was appointed but unable to take up the role.

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The ABC wins two International Emmy Awards

The ABC’s Harley & Katya and Built To Survive have been honoured at the 2023 International Emmys, celebrating the world’s best screen content and storytellers.

Commissioned by the ABC and both currently available on ABC iview, Harley & Katya took out the best sports documentary category while Built To Survive won the Kids: Factual & Entertainment category at the prestigious Awards in New York.

“We’re delighted that two ABC commissions have been recognised on the world stage with International Emmys,’’ Chief Content Officer Chris Oliver-Taylor said.

“The ABC is so proud to be the home of such outstanding programming for Australian audiences that also resonates globally on the international stage.’’

Produced by Stranger than Fiction, Harley & Katya delves into the extraordinary journey of Indigenous Australian figure skater Harley Windsor, who rose to prominence in the Australian Winter Olympic Team, forming an unlikely partnership with Russian skater Katya Alexandrovskaya and achieving unprecedented success before facing a tragic twist of fate.

The documentary has been commended worldwide for its poignant storytelling and insightful exploration of the world of figure skating.

Built To Survive produced by Butter Media and Phil Breslin with the ABC and the ACTF is the untold story of Australia’s ultimate animal survivors – species that have evolved unique adaptations to withstand our country’s extreme conditions.

This year’s awards featured nominees from 20 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Qatar, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the UK – and Australia.

Production credits:

Harley & Katya

A Stranger than Fiction production, developed and produced with principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with Screen NSW.
Director: Selina Miles. Producers: Blayke Hoffman, Jo-Anne McGowan and Aaliyah-Jade Bradbury. Writers: Selina Miles and Blayke Hoffman. Executive Producer: Jen Peedom.

ABC Commissioning Team: Rachel Robinson, Jo Chichester, Kath Earle.

Built To Survive

Produced by Butter Media, Jerry Butterfield and Phil Breslin with funding from the ABC, Screen NSW, ACTF and Screen Australia Offset.

ABC Commissioning Team: Megan Young, Mary-Ellen Mullane, Margaret Ross, Libbie Doherty

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ABC winners at the state and territory Australian Cinematographers Society Awards

The ABC has excelled at the state and territory Australian Cinematographers Society Awards, taking home nine gold, 12 silver and four bronze awards across a variety of categories.

List of ABC winners

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ABC features stories for, by and about Australians living with disability

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Above: Tom O’Neill-Thorne on court for the Salties, Darwin’s national wheelchair league team. Supplied by Taylor Earnshaw Photography.

Tom O’Neill-Thorne was born in the remote town of Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory with a birth defect that affected the development of his legs, hips, and feet. As a three-year-old, Tom remembers watching the opening ceremony of Sydney’s Paralympics and seeing an athlete walking around the stadium on his hands. In that moment, he knew he wanted to be an athlete too.

Tom went on to become a two-time Paralympian, competing in Rio (2016) and Tokyo (2020), and represented Australia at the wheelchair basketball world championship in 2014. He plays professionally for the European league, dividing his time between Madrid and Darwin.

Tom’s story is one of many produced for, by and about people living with disability to be broadcast across the ABC to mark International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).

The ABC has once again partnered with the Department of Social Services to recognise the 4.4 million Australians living with disability.

The partnership has contributed to the placement of 22 short-term positions within the ABC for people with disability to host and co-host television and radio programs and to have their content featured across ABC websites, radio, social media, television, and ABC iview. Content highlights will feature across all ABC platforms to 10 December.

Landline shares the story of paraplegic Katherine Reed who is raising two children, miniature goats and cattle with her husband while living with a disability on her farm near Launceston in Tasmania. Produced in collaboration with Compass, Comedian Madeleine Stewart delves into the little-known intricacies surrounding marriage, disability, and Centrelink in this video which has already amassed 2.2 million views. Five new episodes of Play School Story Time with guests Nas Campanella, Mark Coles Smith, Sam Bloom, Sofya Gollan and Indira Naidoo will air on ABC Kids and ABC iview on 3 December. Each episode has Auslan interpretation in picture and closed captioning and audio description. There will also be a collection of stories on ABC iview that highlight diversity and perspectives from people with disability. This includes a short film starring Dylan Alcott called Head Over Wheels produced by Bus Stop Films, acquired by the ABC and available to watch on ABC iview from 1 December.

On the Make Me Feel Good podcast and ABC Classic, Soprano Jordie Howell profiles four choirs comprised of people with disability who are participating in the 2023 Classic Choir, with one conductor using Braille music to conduct her choir. Stories will also be shared on ABC News and across the ABC’s radio networks, including ABC Classic, Radio National, triple j, Radio Australia and ABC Kids Listen, as well as ABC local radio stations across the country. Radio programs are available for playback online after broadcast and transcripts will be available online for people with hearing issues.

As part of IDPwD activities, the ABC co-hosted the inaugural Disability Leadership Oration with the Disability Leadership Institute at ABC Melbourne on November 21. The oration, featuring respected disability rights lawyer and advocate Natalie Wade as this year’s speaker, airs nationally on 3 December at 5pm AEDT on ABC TV and ABC iview.

Natalie said she felt incredibly honoured to be the first Disability Leadership Orator.

“Disability leadership is central to advancing the human rights of disabled people in Australia by having our voices lead the discussion, but also to be active, valued and respected contributors to industry and community life,” she said.

ABC Director, News, Justin Stevens said the ABC was proud to support International Day of People with Disability.

“The ABC recognises the importance of showcasing the diverse experiences of all Australians in its storytelling, including Australians living with disability,” he said.

“ABC News is committed to featuring the perspectives of Australians living with disability throughout our coverage, not only this month but always.”

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said promoting stories from a diverse range of people with disability has the power to create a more inclusive society.

“Seeing our communities reflected authentically in the media is so influential. It challenges our thinking and builds empathy which can improve attitudes towards people with disability,” Minister Rishworth said.

“This partnership also gives people with disability an opportunity to gain meaningful work experience to improve their employment potential in the media industry and beyond.”

The partnership also funds the ABC Regional Storyteller Scholarship, an early-career program for two content makers with lived experience of disability, living in regional Australia.

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ABC appoints Deena Amorelli as new Chief People Officer

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ABC Managing Director David Anderson today announced the appointment of Deena Amorelli to the role of ABC Chief People Officer.

Deena comes to the ABC with more than 20 years’ experience in large organisations, most recently as Chief HR Officer at the University of New South Wales.

David Anderson, ABC Managing Director, said: “Deena’s broad experience across multiple sectors, including through her leadership at the University of New South Wales, makes her an excellent addition to the ABC’s Leadership Team. I am very pleased Deena has accepted the role and look forward to working with her to in the years to come.”

Deena Amorelli said she is “excited and humbled to be joining the ABC.

“The ABC has always been part of my life, from being broadcast into my living room as a child in the 80’s, to now being experienced on multiple platforms with my own children decades later. I’m looking forward to working with David and the team and contributing to the ongoing success of the ABC.”

Deena will commence at the ABC in March 2024, after Dharma Chandran who recently announced he would be stepping down after over 2 years as the ABC’s Chief People Officer.

David Anderson said: “I also want to again thank Dharma Chandran for his leadership and contribution to the ABC. Dharma has been a valued member of the Leadership Team and I wish him the best for his future endeavours.”

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The ABC agreed to pay Bruce Lehrmann $150,000 towards his legal costs in an out-of-court settlement of his defamation claim, according to documents filed in the federal court.

According to the deed of settlement and release between Lehrmann and the ABC, the ABC agreed to remove a Facebook video of the National Press Club speech given by Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame on 9 February 2022.

The deed also specifies the ABC agrees not to reinstate the YouTube video of the same event. The deed was signed on 21 November.

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ABC Heywire winners celebrate the strength and diversity of living in regional and rural Australia

Resilience, courage, and the desire to create change feature strongly in the stories from the 2024 ABC Heywire winners, announced today.

Hundreds of Australians aged 16 to 22 from regional, rural, and remote areas entered the competition by speaking openly and authentically about life beyond our major cities, through written stories, photos, videos, or audio recordings.

The stories from this year’s 35 ABC Heywire winners highlight Australia’s rich diversity and provides an insight into the lives and communities of young Australians living in the regions.

With stories spanning from Fitzroy Crossing to East Arnhem, our winners have shared tales of fly fishing in Northern Tasmania, patrolling beaches in Queensland, smashing glass ceilings in construction, rebuilding communities after disaster, creating safe spaces for open and honest conversations, and listening and learning from Elders on Country.

The winners have worked with the ABC to produce their stories for radio and online, the results of which are available via the ABC Heywire website.

The 2024 ABC Heywire cohort includes Rameez, from Bathurst, who highlighted the opportunity Heywire gives young people in regional Australia.

“We don’t have a lot of places to share our stories to wider audiences. Heywire gives us the platform to be authentic and share something about our lives.”

Lara, from Swan Reach, Victoria, Gunaikurnai Country, knows that with a strong community, you can get through almost anything.

Reflecting on the Black Summer bushfires she said, “It was a really hard thing to live through and we shouldn’t have to live through it again.”

“I am proud of the way my community came together and picked themselves up – it shows how resilient we are. If my community can do it, so can yours. You are not alone.”

Darcy, a proud Bardi, Mirawoong, Yamatji Noongar man from Geraldton, Western Australia knows the impact a positive mentor can have on developing a person’s sense of identity. Darcy said he wants to be that for the next generation of Indigenous people.

“I plan to give back and share my knowledge, support them and give them a sense of belonging.”

Ruby, from Margaret River, Western Australia knows all too well the phrase you can’t be what you can’t see and wants to help make the path easier for women to enter and succeed in construction.

“I was told that I shouldn’t do construction, when there was nothing else I would rather be doing,” she said. “It would have been easier for me if I had seen other women in the construction courses that I was doing. We aren’t represented.”

ABC Director, News, Justin Stevens, congratulated this year’s winners on their brave and authentic stories.

“The magic of Heywire is the young Australians who take part. Courageous and candid, they open a window into their lives in regional Australia, sharing with us the challenges they face and the dreams they have.”

“Young people need to have a voice that is heard all over the nation and the ABC is proud to support this with the annual Heywire competition.”

Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride, said this year’s winners were worthy additions to the Heywire legacy.

“The Australian Government has funded Heywire for two decades in a celebration of the power of storytelling.”

“Heywire shines a light on the lives of young people in rural and regional Australia – their experiences, their challenges and their incredible achievements.”

“The 2024 winners show us what great young advocates we have right across Australia and I congratulate them all.”

Since its inception in 1998, Heywire has become a leading and powerful platform for rural youth, amplifying their voices and putting them at the centre of the conversations that shape their communities.

Community organisers, LGBTQIA+ allies, advocates, Indigenous youth leaders, fisherman, volunteer surf life savers, medical students, law students and farmers, are just a few examples of the winners who have worked with the ABC to produce their stories for radio and online, the results of which are available via the ABC Heywire website.

Heywire acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts; Department of Health and Aged Care; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Department of Employment and Workplace Relations; the Office for Youth and AgriFutures Australia.

The full list of 2024 ABC Heywire winners and their stories are here: https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/winners/

WINNERS
Winner Location Synopsis of their story
Mike Broken Hill, NSW, Wilyakali Country I want other trans autistic young people to know they aren’t alone.
Rameez Bathurst, NSW, Wiradjuri Country I can talk to my mates about anything. But it took years to get there.
Adam Ulladulla, NSW, Yuin Country There’s nothing queer about being kind. My town is starting to understand that.
Maya Sawtell, NSW, Gumbaynggirr Country A supercell hailstorm smashed my town. We can’t let it become the norm.
Daniella Lismore, NSW. Bundjalung Country My family is from an asbestos mining town. It’s a place of beauty and sadness.
Sped Adelong, NSW, Wiradjuri Country I’ll never forget the skeleton of the gum leaves.
Jacob Tura Beach, Djiringanj Country A zombie tried to claim my forest. My community is fighting to protect it.
Harrison Gilgandra, NSW, Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi and Wailwan Country In my country town, the sound of the air ambulance means one thing — pain
Naomi Ballarat, VIC, Wadawurrung Country My family farm spans six generations. Land conservation is key to keep the legacy going.
Amelia Bendigo, VIC, Dja Dja Wurrung Country I didn’t know anything about the child protection system until I was in it.
Lara Swan Reach, VIC, Gunaikurnai Country School was out but the army was in. The summer everything changed.
Solange Wodonga, VIC Wiradjuri, Waveroo and Dhudhuroa Country Dancing the igisirimba with my family is my favourite part of the week.
Lauren Kerang, VIC, Baraba Baraba Country I want my journey recovering from an eating disorder to be a catalyst for change.
Eaknoor Seymour, VIC, Taungurung Country I felt like I didn’t have a cultural identity. Now I have two.
Eliot Birchip, VIC, Wotjobaluk Country I was terrified of coming out as transgender. Then dad told me he’d always wanted a son.
Sahansa Hobart, TAS, palawa Country I will always face challenges, but they won’t stop me from doing the things I love.
Pelle Lilydale, TAS, palawa Country Fly fishing is how I escape the world
Tyrone Galiwin’ku, NT, Yolngu Country I’m a ranger on Galiwin’ku, Northeast Arnhem Land.
Shirlinda Alice Springs, NT, Arrente Country Nothing tastes better than tjupi — honey ants — when you eat them with family.
Tobias Katherine, NT, Dagoman, Jawoyn and Wardaman Country Katherine is my home. I don’t like the crime here.
Rowen Renmark, SA, Naralte Country Gender dysphoria is exhausting; but the moments of euphoria sustain me.
Tate Mount Barker, SA, Peramangk Country I’ve struggled with my weight. But supportive mates and sport have helped.
Prapti Port Lincoln, SA, Barngarla Country A sense of belonging means I hold my head high and treasure my new community.
Zarah Rockhampton, QLD, Darumbal Country I used to admire the surf lifesaving volunteers. Now I’m one of them.
Enshella Charters Towers, QLD, Gudjal Country My faith and my diversity are things to celebrate, not fear.
Rebecca Cairns, QLD, Gimuy Country It felt like I was being stabbed. But I was told it was just ‘regular period pains’.
Amy Mt Isa, QLD, Kalkadoon Country Distance has always been a big part of my life. But it’s never been a barrier.
Nada Toowoomba, QLD, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country After fleeing a genocide in Iraq, I found a safe new home in Toowoomba.
Scarlet Bundaberg, QLD, Taribelang Bunda Country I would drown in my anxiety if it weren’t for the beach.
Ruby Margaret River, WA, Wadandi Noongar Boodja Country I was the first and only girl in my construction class at TAFE.
Sienna Albany, WA, Menang Noongar Boodja Country I learn a lot from my elders about joy and resilience. And I promise to keep their stories safe.
Darcy Geraldton, WA, Yamatji Country As a proud mixed race young man, I have unique struggles and privileges.
Lexie Laverton, WA, Wongi Country Even when there’s nothing to do in this town, I can run and feel free.
Kenneth Burringurrah, WA Wajarri Country We can’t drink from the taps in my community because there’s uranium in our water.
Kimberly Fitzroy Crossing, WA, Bunuba Country Almost a year after the flood cut off roads in Fitzroy Crossing, we’re still rebuilding.
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ABC Board Statement: 2024 ABC Code of Practice

The ABC Board has released the 2024 ABC Code of Practice, a significant update to the ABC’s editorial standards.

The Code of Practice sets out the fundamental standards the ABC must adhere to in order to prioritise and strengthen the trust of its audiences. It serves as a promise to audiences of what they can expect of their national public broadcaster. It also serves as a promise of rigorous accountability to the Australian public.

The release of the new Code follows a review conducted by the ABC’s Editorial Policies team. The review was commissioned by the Board, implementing a recommendation of the Independent Review of ABC Complaints Handling Procedures conducted by former Commonwealth and NSW Ombudsman Professor John McMillan and former SBS Director News and Current Affairs Jim Carroll.

In addition to the new Code of Practice, the ABC has today updated its impartiality standards. Most notably, the standard requiring the presentation of a diversity of perspectives (4.2) has been strengthened to ensure opposing viewpoints are presented within a reasonable timeframe and reach a similar audience.

The 2024 ABC Code of Practice is available here. It will take effect on 1 January 2024.

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#ABCMelbourne this morning. pic.twitter.com/khSpprUf7W

— Luke Siddham Dundon (@lukesdundon) December 21, 2023

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I would hate to be the person that cleans that.

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Statement from ABC managing director David Anderson

The ABC’s independence, enshrined in legislation, is of paramount importance to the role the ABC performs for the Australian public.

The ABC rejects any claim that it has been influenced by any external pressure, whether it be an advocacy or lobby group, a political party, or commercial entity. That applies to all decisions made across the organisation, including in relation to content, where the ABC’s Editorial Policies provide strong direction on independence and other crucial matters.

ABC staff are proud of our high standards of independent journalism, and routinely perform their roles for the Australian public without fear or favour, adhering to our responsibilities of impartiality and accuracy – often in the face of significant unwarranted criticism. The ABC will continue to support them and their work, internally and externally. As a result of our high editorial standards and independence, we remain the most trusted media organisation in the country.

As the most scrutinised media organisation in Australia, the ABC takes legitimate criticism, feedback and complaints seriously, and addresses them in line with our Editorial Policies, complaints handling procedures and our editorial guidelines, as is appropriate.

The ABC also takes very seriously our responsibility to champion diversity and inclusion in order to accurately reflect the community we serve, both in our content and as an organisation. This is an ongoing process involving regular review, to ensure we aim high. Our equity and inclusion initiatives include:

  • Inclusive Teams Planning
  • An Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan
  • A Diversity Advocates Network
  • A review into how the ABC can ensure staff who are exposed to abusive behaviour are appropriately supported
  • Gender equity and Diversity forums
  • A News Diversity & Inclusion Plan and the News Diversity Action Group
  • The ABC Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan
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According to The Australian, the shortlist of candidates to replace outgoing ABC chair Ita Buttrose is now down to three: current ABC deputy chair Peter Tonagh, Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron, and former Fairfax Media boss David Kirk.

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This one will go down well if it’s Tonagh that’s named Chair given his previous work at News Corp and Foxtel

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Kim Williams to be the new ABC Chair

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Twitter is going to be a bonfire today over this

Almost suggest the news was announced this morning hoping to be buried under the tax changes to be announced later today