One of the alumni of ABC Heywire Trailblazers is encouraging young regional leaders from the Bega Valley to apply for the program.
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The program is for people aged 18 to 28 in regional Australia and provides access to a broad media platform for young leaders to reach a wider audience about their issues.
Last year Eden Game Development Centre coordinator William Sharples was one of 16 people recognised in the program and in February he attended the five-day Trailblazers Lab experience in Canberra.
“It was a lot of fun and educational at the same time,” he said.
“The whole experience was something I really enjoyed and learnt a lot from.
“The fact I went to Parliament House to talk about [the game development centre] adds legitimacy to its program.”
A major part of Trailblazers was preparing for and speaking at a presentation in front of about 500 politicians and members of the media in front of Parliament House, which Mr Sharples described as “a bit nerve wracking”.
This helped him describe his program very succinctly, which he found valuable especially when it came to networking.
He networked with people who may support his game development centre’s program in the future as well as participated in fun activities such as fancy dinners and volleyball.
“It’s a lot of work; you’ll feel like one day is one week! But the people there are really fun” the 26-year-old said.
A group of young people at different skill levels have been attending the game development centre since it started last October, with some even coming from Merimbula and Bega to participate.
“It’s given them a place to be in the community,” Mr Sharples said.
He said new members were welcome, meeting every Monday at the Eden Access Centre and for more information visit the group’s Facebook page or email edengamedevelopmentcentre@gmail.com.
For more information on Trailblazers visit www.abc.net.au/trailblazers. Applications close on July 13.