Mount Martha teenager to takeover ABC Melbourne
Published on 27 November 2020
The ABC has announced the 31 young winners of the inaugural Takeover Melbourne storytelling competition.
Mount Martha resident and former Woodleigh student Tamsin is one of the Takeover Melbourne winners!
Takeover Melbourne is a new initiative from the ABC in partnership with VicHealth, Resilient Melbourne and the Centre for Multicultural Youth, amplifying the voices of young Melburnians (aged 12 to 18 years).
Despite the many challenges faced by Melburnians this year, hundreds of young people from across Melbourne stepped up to share their stories. Thirty-two winners were selected, representing each of the local Government areas of Greater Melbourne, to have their stories featured on the ABC.
From growing up with Tourette’s Syndrome, to overcoming internalised racism, from finishing year 12 during COVID-19, to rebuilding after the Black Saturday bushfires, the stories showcase the resilience and talent of the city’s young people. From disability advocates and geologists, to musicians and sport fanatics, the 31 stories paint a vivid picture of Melbourne in 2020.
The Takeover Melbourne winners will be showcased across the ABC, so keep an eye out for their stories on ABC Radio Melbourne and on ABC TV. They will also be celebrated in a virtual Gala event on December 3, streamed live on the ABC Melbourne Facebook page.
To see the full list of Takeover Melbourne winners and hear their stories: abc.net.au/takeover
Takeover Melbourne is made possible through partnership with Resilient Melbourne, VicHealth and the Centre for Multicultural Youth, as well as with the support of the 32 local councils of Greater Melbourne.
Quotes attributable to Mount Martha resident and local Takeover Melbourne winner Tamsin
“I’m so proud to be recognised for sharing my story in the first Takeover Melbourne series,” Tamsin said.
“Raising questions about the world we live in is one way young people can shape the future. Takeover Melbourne has given us the opportunity to have our voices and stories amplified,” she said.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Despi O’Connor
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor Despi O’Connor congratulated Tamsin on winning in the first year of the competition.
“While we’ve been physically distanced this year, we’ve continued to share stories with friends, family and loved ones. This year has demonstrated the power of storytelling and connection,” Mayor O’Connor said.
“It’s so important for all of us to listen to these stories. It takes courage to share something so personal and I commend everyone who entered Takeover Melbourne 2020,”
“Well done to Tamsin for raising awareness about how sexual education has become antiquated for our young people. Young people are over exposed to sexualised material every day. Having frank and open conversations about sex is a great start and would go a long way to ensuring respectful relationships,” she said.
Quotes attributable to Director of ABC Regional and Local, Judith Whelan
Director of ABC Regional and Local, Judith Whelan, said the Takeover Melbourne Competition is an important platform for young people living in Greater Melbourne to make a difference.
“Congratulations to all of the winners for proudly sharing your courageous and powerful stories. Stories like these have the ability to bring us together as a community.”
CEO of VicHealth, Dr Sandro Demaio, also congratulated the winners, saying: “After such a challenging year for Melburnians, it’s more important than ever that young people are heard in the conversation about the future of their city.”