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Heyfield local Charlee Vernon congratulated selection for Heywire Regional Youth Summit in Canberra by Darren Chester

Heyfield local Charlee Vernon, a young Gippslander, is a regional winner of the ABC Heywire competition, which encourages young Australians to engage in conversations that shape our community.

By news@gippsland - 31st March 2023 - Back to News

A young Gippslander is one of the regional winners of this year's ABC Heywire competition. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester congratulated Heyfield local Charlee Vernon on her selection at the Heywire Regional Youth Summit in Canberra this week. "Charlee is a remarkable young Gippslander and is using her voice to share her personal struggles with chronic pelvic pain condition," Mr Chester said.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Heywire recipient Charlee Vernon at the Heywire Regional Youth Summit at Parliament House in Canberra

Heywire project partnership

Mr Chester said, "Charlee has faced many health challenges and is still searching for answers about her condition which doctors still don't really know much about. Her strength and resilience is a testament to her strong character and passion for life. She is also advocating for more GPs and psychologists specialising in menstrual health and chronic pain in regional areas to help diagnose and treat conditions properly."

ABC has run the Heywire project in partnership with the Australian government since 1998, encouraging young Australians to engage in conversations that shape our community. Competition winners have the opportunity to take part in an all-expenses-paid trip to the Heywire Summit in Canberra involving leadership workshops, meeting MPs, government departments and community leaders.

"Congratulations Charlee for being named one of the Heywire winners. It was a pleasure to meet and speak with such a passionate young Gippslander and I am sure your future will be very bright." Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes.
• Maffra student Jaxon Marshall champions resilient agriculture during National Youth Parliament visit to Canberra
  Maffra student Jaxon Marshall represented Gippsland at National Youth Parliament, delivering a passionate speech advocating resilient agriculture, regenerative farming, research and stronger support for farmers and Australia’s future.
• Ted Summerton Reserve upgrade marks major milestone for Moe’s sporting community and regional events
  Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe is undergoing major upgrades, including improved sporting facilities, accessibility, lighting and training infrastructure, boosting community participation, regional events and tourism across Latrobe City.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges election commitments on hospital, roads, transport and infrastructure for growing communities
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging state and federal leaders to support local priorities, including a new hospital, transport, roads, housing, tourism and infrastructure, ahead of Victoria’s November election.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Australia Post invests in Morwell parcel facility, boosting Latrobe City jobs, economic diversification and future growth opportunities
  Australia Post has begun construction of a 10,000-square-metre parcel facility in Morwell, consolidating regional operations, supporting local jobs and strengthening Latrobe City’s economic diversification and investment opportunities.
• Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
  Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges election candidates to fund critical projects before Victorian state election in November
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to fund critical local projects, including road upgrades, trails, sporting infrastructure, business development and a new West Gippsland Hospital.