Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton was delighted to meet two local winners of the ABC Heywire Competition in Parliament House today.

Mr Coulton met with Ellen O’Rourke from Bingara and Stephen Sanders from Pilliga when they visited Parliament House to attend the annual Heywire Morning Tea as part of the Heywire Youth Summit.

Mr Coulton said that the Heywire competition, an initiative of ABC Radio, effectively showcases the talents of young people from regional Australia.

“There have been many successful entrants from the Parkes Electorate over the years. These are young people with ideas for our future who have shown their ability to articulate philosophies that are important to them,” said Mr Coulton.

“I very much enjoy the opportunity to meet winners of the Heywire competition when they come to Canberra to take part in the Heywire Youth Summit. It is also a great opportunity for our young people to share their experiences.”

“Ellen is a passionate advocate for ending racism, and I am sure that she has helped others by speaking out about her experiences.”

“Stephen’s winning entry was based on his sense of community and experiences following horrific bushfires at Coonabarabran in 2013.”

“I commend both Ellen and Stephen on their works and encourage them to continue to share their stories, ideas and opinions.”

2014 Heywire entries are now open. More information is available at www.abc.net.au/heywire