Nowra Heywire winner Lily Wright not afraid to make some noise

Lily was announced as one of this year's ABC Heywire winners after she shared her story of going through high school in a wheelchair.

Since 1998, Heywire has become a powerful platform for rural youth to share their stories and make a difference in their communities.

Lily has Friedreich's ataxia. It's a genetic disorder that affects the nerves and muscles in her body.

She went from her primary school of 80 kids to St John the Evangelist Catholic High School at the same time as she had to begin using a wheelchair.

"I never really believed in myself and I definitely questioned why I was in a wheelchair and no one else was," she said.

"I didn't have anyone else in my year who was in a wheelchair."

Through Heywire, she's shared her story with Australia.

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While some people might feel vulnerable, Lily is keen to advocate for other teens with a disability.

"I just wanted to share my experience with other people," she said.

"To find out people all around Australia will read it was pretty awesome."

Lily encouraged people to look beyond disability, and recognise that we are all individuals.

She also encouraged other teens with a disability to speak up.

"We can make society better by telling people the truth," she said.

"If we don't tell them what it's like to live with a disability, they will never know.

"I would encourage anyone with a disability to speak up and be courageous."

The Federal Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, Mark Coulton MP, also applauded the successful entrants.

"Heywire continues to empower young regional, rural and remote Australians to share their stories, ensuring their voices are heard far and wide," he said.

"Many of these young people have grown up facing issues like drought, bushfires, floods and now the COVID-19 pandemic, and they continue to put their best foot forward to drive change in their communities."

"I congratulate all 35 winners for sharing stories about what life is like in regional and rural Australia."

The future looks bright for Lily, who plans to study a bachelor of social work at the University of Wollongong.

"I'm really looking forward to the future," she said.

"Obviously things will still be difficult but I definitely have high hopes for the future."

You can read her story at: https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/heywire-lily-nowra-nsw/12914402