FEDERAL Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the launch of the ABC Heywire competition offered young people from the New England Electorate the opportunity to submit stories about life in their part of the world.

Mr Joyce said the Heywire competition was open to people aged between 16 and 22 years and they could use a variety of formats including text, audio, photo or video.

He said more than 30 winners will be chosen to have their story featured on ABC Radio and online at abc.net.au and could also enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to the Heywire Regional Youth Summit in Canberra next February.

Mr Joyce said the workshop could be a great stepping stone for ideas that could help regional Australia become a better place.

“I’m happy to spread the word about Heywire and in turn give young people in the New England Electorate a chance at participating and aiming to make a difference by telling their stories,” Mr Joyce said.