Winners Announced for 2023 Takeover Melbourne Competition: Young Voices Soar
The ABC and VicHealth have proudly announced the 25 young winners of the 2023 Takeover Melbourne storytelling competition. This annual competition aims to showcase the exceptional talents of Melbourne’s youth, providing them with a platform to share their unique stories and perspectives.
Now in its fourth year, Takeover Melbourne continues to inspire and captivate audiences with the diverse narratives presented by young Melburnians. From the picturesque coastal town of Portland to the vibrant streets of Richmond, hundreds of enthusiastic youths eagerly embraced the challenge of storytelling.
The submissions for this year’s competition covered a wide range of topics, ranging from tales of bravery and perseverance to stories of triumph over adversity. Among the winning entries, there is an inspiring account of a courageous journey from Afghanistan to pursue a passion for soccer in Australia, a testament to overcoming stage fright, and a powerful narrative of unwavering determination in the face of adversity to pursue sports.
These captivating stories introduce us to a rich tapestry of young talents. From a Pokémon champion who has gained valuable life skills through the strategic game to a spirited Bharatanatyam dancer and a ‘spirit child’ from the Kardu Diminm clan group, the winners represent a diverse array of passions and backgrounds.
Saathvika, a Takeover Melbourne winner from Fraser Rise in Melbourne’s west, shared her story of finding her voice through singing. I am incredibly grateful for my Takeover Melbourne experience, she expressed. 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, expressed his pride in supporting the Takeover Melbourne program as part of the Future Healthy initiative. He shared, At VicHealth, we believe in empowering young people and providing a platform for them to share their unique voices and lived experiences. 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.
Justin Stevens, Director of ABC News, commended the winners and emphasized the program’s value to both the ABC and the community. He stated, 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 will be available on the Story Stream via the ABC listen app throughout November and December. Additionally, a gala event will be held in the heart of Melbourne in December 2023 to celebrate the achievements of the winners.
Takeover Melbourne owes its success to the generous support of its major partner, VicHealth, and their Future Healthy initiative, with additional support provided by the Centre for Multicultural Youth.
For further information or interview requests with a Takeover Melbourne winner, please contact Alexandra Neill, the Takeover Melbourne Producer, at neill.alexandra@abc.net.au. High-resolution photos of all the winners can be provided upon request. To learn more about the winning entries and access additional information, kindly visit the official Takeover Melbourne website at https://www.abc.net.au/takeover/programs/takeover-melbourne/meet-the-2023-winners/103053782.
In conclusion, the 2023 Takeover Melbourne competition has once again showcased the immense talent and inspiring stories of Melbourne’s youth. The event continues to provide a platform for young voices to be heard and celebrated, inspiring others to embrace their own stories and empower themselves. The invaluable support from VicHealth and the Centre for Multicultural Youth ensures the success and impact of the program, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant future for all young people.
