What Matters? to screen on Television Sydney

Television viewers will be given a unique insight into the hopes and aspirations of Australia's youth in the special screening of the 'What Matters?' competition, airing on Television Sydney, digital channel 44 on Saturday November 26 at 8pm.

The 'What Matters?' competition, run by the Whitlam Institute within the University of Western Sydney and sponsored by Officeworks asks students in years 5 to 12 in NSW and ACT schools to write a 400 to 600 word opinion piece on the issues in society that are important to them.

The half hour program includes the eight 2011 finalists chosen from a field of over 1,800 entries, and the awards ceremony attended by Mrs Margaret Whitlam AO and SBS Dateline co-presenter Yalda Hakim.

The 2011 competition winner, Madeleine Boxall, from St Catherine's School in Waverley, called for equality in same sex marriage in an article which was later republished by the Sydney Morning Herald on their opinion page.

The CEO of TVS Rachel Bentley says the program is a unique and inspiring look into the mindset of Australian youth.

"'What Matters' explores the hopes and aspirations of Australia's youth striving to make a difference and make their voices heard," Ms Bentley says.

"Young people see the world with a clarity and optimism that will enlighten and inspire the audience."

'What Matters?' premieres on TVS digital channel 44 on Saturday November 26 at 8pm, and is repeated Tuesday 29 November at 5.30pm and Wednesday November 30 at 2.30pm.

Editors note: Photos of the competition and the winner are available on request.

The Whitlam Institute, established within the University of Western Sydney, is a dynamic public policy institute that commemorates the life and work of one of Australia's most respected Prime Ministers, The Hon. Gough Whitlam AC QC, and pursues the causes he championed during his parliamentary career and years of statesman service to the people of Australia.

The Whitlam Institute is also custodian of the Whitlam Prime Ministerial Collection.

Television Sydney broadcasts from the University of Western Sydney's Penrith campus, and is found on Digital Channel 44, or 31 on the analogue system.

The 'What Matters?' writing competition is proudly sponsored by Officeworks.

Ends

14 November 2011