Teen With Fragile X Visits 36 ABC Bureaus Across Australia

For 18-year-old Hayden Eastbury from Newcastle, Australia, most kids collect posters or stream their favorite shows, but Hayden turned his passion for ABC News into a two-year adventure across the entire country.

Hayden, who lives with fragile X syndrome, has visited 36 of ABC's 56 bureaus with his family since October 2024. Along the way, he's met his favorite presenters, learned to hold a microphone, and practiced asking probing questions like a real journalist.

His dad Phil said the family felt "therapy-ed out" and wanted to find new ways to help Hayden grow. "We thought what better way to seek new opportunities than take it out on the road," Phil told ABC.

The journey started when Hayden met presenter Nate Byrne at the Perth Royal Show. From there, the Eastburys made ABC bureaus their travel theme, the way other families might visit national parks or roadside attractions.

Hayden's confidence has blossomed with each visit. He's learned to ask questions, answer them, and even got to sit at presenter desks and practice on weather walls.

His favorite stop was Perth, where he used presenter Pamela Medlen's desk and tried out Tabarak Al Jrood's weather wall. In Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, the local team even let him be their radio presenter for the day.

Sunny's Take

This week, Hayden turned 18, and ABC presenters from across Australia surprised him with birthday messages. The video features faces Hayden watches every single day, now speaking directly to him.

Wendy Bruce from Fragile X Association Australia said Hayden's travels have raised crucial awareness for the rare genetic condition. Fragile X is a mutation of the X chromosome that can lead to physical, intellectual, and behavioral challenges.

"Their interactions with so many people around the country have really painted a broader picture of living with fragile X syndrome and disability, but also the possibilities of being so engaged in the community," Bruce said.

Other families in the fragile X community have started following Hayden's journey bureau by bureau, inspired to take their own "road less travelled." Bruce said it's shown people that everyone with a disability is unique, with different strengths, abilities, and support needs.

The Eastburys aren't done yet. They're determined to reach all 56 bureaus, no matter how remote, and Hayden still dreams of working for ABC one day.