clubCREATE Magazine O12E3 2024

PRIZES TO BE WON INSIDE! ENTER THE COMPETITIONS FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
clubCREATE
Magazine
SPEAK UP, STAY ACTIVE
MEET CREATE'S NEW
CEO
Edition 3 2024

Welcome to the
clubCREATE
magazine
EDITION 3 2024
IN THIS
ISSUE:
Hello everyone,
I’m thrilled to introduce the third edition of clubCREATE Magazine for 2024! This is my first time
introducing the magazine as the new CEO, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s an honour to be part
of such an incredible organisation, especially as we celebrate CREATE’s 25th birthday this year. It's a
big milestone, and we owe it all to the amazing young people who have been a part of our journey.
My commitment to young people is that we will listen to you, we will show up for you, and we will
find ways to make sure your voices are listened to by others, so we can help make things better for
all kids in care. Your voices matter. Your experiences make you the experts. In fact, what you have to
say is the most important thing for decision-makers to hear if we are going to make things safer and
better for children and young people.
This edition is packed with cool competitions and inspiring stories, all centred around the theme of
speaking up and focusing on your mental wellbeing so enjoy and as always, if you have any feedback
or suggestions to make these magazines even better, we would love to hear from you. Thank you for
being a part of CREATE. Let’s continue to work together to make a positive difference.
Happy reading and happy 25th birthday to CREATE!
Warm regards,
Imogen
CREATE CEO a.k.a CREATE Captain
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We love your feedback!
Send suggestions into clubCREATE@create.org.au
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2 Welcome
4 In The Loop
6 Get to know your CEO
9 Powerful Poems
11 Meet NEABY
13 Meet Lachlan
14 Day in the life of a
CREATE Intern
15 Snap that Stigma
16 Competition Central
18 State Snaps!
20 Competition Winners
clubCREATE’s Editorial Policy
clubCREATE Magazine is produced by
CREATE Foundation for children and
young people in care. This magazine
contains information about CREATE
programs that create a better life for
kids in care and also has articles and
artworks by clubCREATE members.
It’s really important to us that children
and young people in care are safe and
protected and we do our utmost to
ensure their privacy. For safety
reasons state laws don’t allow the
faces of kids in care to be published
without proper permission. So please
understand that if these young
people are not reflective of the story
or blurred it is for safety and legal
reasons. All contributions to be
considered for the magazine can be
submitted by email:
clubCREATE@create.org.au
or post: Reply Paid 87694, Spring
Hill QLD 4004. If you do not want
to receive newsletter and program
information from CREATE
Foundation please email
clubCREATE@create.org.au or phone
CREATE on 1800 655 105 to have your
address removed from our mailing
list.
Acknowledgement of Country
CREATE would like to acknowledge Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s first people
and Traditional Custodians. We value their cultures,
identities, and continuing connection to country, waters,
kin and community.
GET SOCIAL! Facebook: /CREATEfnd Instagram: @CREATEfnd
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In the Loop
Thank you and
Goodbye to jacqui!
After 17 amazing years at CREATE
Foundation, our wonderful previous CEO,
Jacqui Reed, bid farewell to CREATE.
Her hard work has helped
make sure your voices are
heard and your needs are met
and she has made a big
difference here at CREATE! She
has always put your wellbeing
first and worked hard to make
things better. We are very
grateful for everything she has
done for CREATE and for all of us.
We wish her the best and thank
her for her incredible work!
T2A Month
GOODBYE AND THANK YOU TO JACQUI
Speak Up. Stay Active.
In this issue of clubCREATE Magazine, our theme is
Speak Up. Keep Active. We’re focusing on the
importance of speaking up and staying active to
support your wellbeing! Staying active is a great way
to boost your mental health and overall wellbeing.
Playing sports, going to the park and even simple
exercises you can do at home can make you feel
happier, stronger, and more confident.
In November, we celebrate Transition to Adulthood Month (T2A Month) to support
young people in Queensland as they move from out-of-home care to adulthood. This
year's theme, "Adulting 101," is all about equipping young people with the essential
skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their adult life. There are so many cool events
happening across the state so check out www.create.org/t2a
Child Protection
Week
National Child Protection Week 2024 is
coming up! This year's theme is ‘Every
Child in Every Community Needs a Fair
Go: Every Conversation Matters’.
Conversations are powerful tools to
keep you safe and well. Check out our
events on our website for ways to get
involved.
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GET TO KNOW YOUR
NEW CEO
We were excited to have our Young Consultant, Eshal from Victoria, interview
CREATE’s new Chief Executive Officer (CREATE Captain) Imogen Edeson.
"I want to turn all our
advocacy into action. I want
CREATE to walk alongside
young people in influencing
decision makers to make real
improvements to the
care system."
What does being CEO mean
and consist of?
“Being the CEO, or CREATE Captain as we
like to call it, is all about holding a vision
for the value we are trying to create for
young people, while also looking at all
the details that go into running a complex
organisation, with lots of teams and lots of
offices in different places around the
country. It’s about supporting teams so
they can keep doing great work with
young people. And it’s about making
sure young people’s interests and voices
are taken to the places where decisions
are made about the systems that impact
young people’s lives.”
What are the main things you
want to work towards now
that you are CEO?
“I want to make sure we listen to the
voices of children and young people and
hold their voices in all our conversations
and projects. This is the heart and soul
of CREATE. We live and breathe values
around children’s rights and voices. So I
want to make sure this is built into
everything we do at CREATE.
“I want to make sure the people who work
at CREATE are fully supported and
empowered to be creative and responsive
to what young people want and need from
CREATE. I want to keep delivering great
programs and to make them even better.
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I want us to work well with all our partners –
researchers, governments, sector
organisations, First Nations communities – to
make sure we are making collective efforts
towards the same things – improving
experiences and outcomes for kids, based on
what young people tell us they need.
And I want to turn all our advocacy into
action. I want CREATE to walk alongside
young people in influencing decision makers
to make real improvements to the care
system, based on what young people tell us. I
want to see decision makers being brave and
bold in making the changes that are needed
to make things better and safer for kids.
Overall I want to make sure we are a thriving,
sustainable and happy organisation, showing
up for children and young people in
meaningful ways.”
Who are three people you look
up to and why?
“I really admire my three spirited kids who,
like other kids I meet all the time in the
CREATE community, are wild, creative and
original people. And I highly value wildness,
creativity and originality! Other than that, I
generally admire people who are inventors,
poets, philosophers, scientists and therapists.
I like people who can see beyond what is and
can imagine better futures, fairer systems and
more beautiful ways of being human,
together.”
Image credit:
Daisy Noyes
daisynoyes.com

What do you want to focus
and build upon that already
exists in the care system?
“Sometimes I get the pleasure of hearing
from young people about beautiful,
generous and empathic practitioners and
carers who have really shown up for young
people. Sometimes, I hear these examples of
adults who have cared deeply about kids in
care, supported them, believed in them and
advocated for them. I wish this for all
children and young people in care. Someone
to show up for them unconditionally and
continuously. We all need someone who
believes in us. So where we can influence
systems and practice that make enduring,
positive, safe and meaningful relationships
common and normal for all kids in care – that
will be a major win for young people.”
Do you have questions for
our new captain, Imogen?
Send them to us, and we'll ask her
for you! Email your questions to:
clubCREATE@create.org.au.
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What made you want to
join CREATE?
“I love that CREATE lives and breathes its
values of children’s rights, voices, equity
and inclusion. These aren’t just the stated
values – they are the lived values of
everyone who works at CREATE.
I wanted to work at CREATE as I believe
it genuinely meets a need and a system
gap for young people. It creates a safe
community, it empowers young people
to get involved in advocacy, and it puts
young people’s voices and experiences at
the centre of conversations about system
reform.
I also like that, at CREATE, we can
innovate quickly. We can evolve and be
creative, based on the feedback we get
from young people.”
MEET clubCREATE
member lachlan
1. Tell us about
yourself
Hi! My name is Lachlan. I love playing
video games, playing Dungeons and
Dragons, watching anime, and I'm currently
studying for a Certificate in Hospitality at
TAFE NSW.
2. What’s something you’re
passionate about in the
care sector?
I’m passionate about helping young people
explore their cultural identity. I didn’t have the
chance or support to do that, and I want to make
sure others do.
3. What’s something you’re
proud of?
I’m proud of myself for getting through tough
times and creating a good life for myself. I’ve
done pretty well, and that’s something worth
being proud of.
4. What has been your
biggest challenge in life?
My biggest challenge has been my mental health.
I’ve struggled with it a lot over the years.
5. What are your goals
for the future?
My goals are to work with animals because I love
them and want to do something I’m passionate
about for a living.
6. What is a cool
opportunity you’ve
experienced during your
time with CREATE?
I loved going to the ViA 2024
conference with CREATE. I made great friends,
heard amazing stories, and enjoyed traveling to
Adelaide. It’s a lifelong memory for me. I also
enjoyed meeting the Minister and sharing my
experiences in care.
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powerful poems
At the recent youth-led forum in Victoria, organised by the Youth Expert Advisory Group
(YEAG), Young Consultants chose to express their thoughts and feelings through
poetry. While we can't share all of their words, we wanted to highlight one poem by
CREATE Young Consultant, Myrakii.
The Journey of Flight
by Myrakii
Pushed differently from the nest,
but of no different feather from the rest
Yet, with a lifestyle kept in the darkness of night
Comes the misunderstanding by others with nothing to
enlight
Still, there’s no less potential from a raised sight
One, that will lead to boundless possibilities and great
flight
We need you to be the current and the guiding light
For these wings to extend with its greatest might
Be the supporting compass to lead
The future we envision held first in a seed
Don’t let doubt barricade us from the way we seek
Because even if we don’t make it
We don’t fly backwards
The experience still counts for the way ahead
Forging a new path from the one no longer tread
In a story about us
All of us
One without end for the “finish line”
Is in fact the horizon for greater heights
Together, we will reach boundless skies
And in turn become guides to turn the tides
As others emerge in their first glide
Express Yourself
Through Poetry
Poetry is a powerful way for you to share your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. By
putting pen to paper, you can find a creative outlet to express yourself and be heard. If you're
inspired to start writing, know that your voice matters and can make a difference. If you want
to share your poem, we would love to read it! Send it to clubCREATE@create.org.au
"ask someone for help. If something is piling up, tell someone. Practice,
practice, practice – everyone needs practice and can’t get their
emotions out straight away.” Young Person, SA.
For those seeking additional support, these resources are available to help with your mental
health:
• Headspace: Offers mental health support and resources for young people aged 12-25.
Visit
headspace.org.au for more information.
• Kids Helpline: Provides free, confidential counselling for young people aged 5-25. Call
1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au.
• Beyond Blue: Supports everyone in Australia affected by anxiety, depression, and suicide.
Visit beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636.
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Don't hesitate to express yourself and seek support when needed. Your words and wellbeing
are important.
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MEET NEABY
Meet CREATE’s brand-new Youth Advisory Board, the ‘National Experience to Action Board
(Youth)’ or NEABY.
Formerly known as the Influencing Committee, NEABY is made up of young people from
every State and Territory who will meet on a regular basis over the next 12-months to
share their insights and ideas for improving the care system for children and young people
around Australia.
What the acronym?!
Did you know we have loads of different youth-led groups or committees at
CREATE and when shortened they make for a fun game. Let’s play ‘What
the ACRONYM?!
Tayla from the ACT, Tommy from NSW, Harper from VIC, Jayden from QLD, Cheyenne from
WA, Keely from NT, Sarah from SA, Ann from TAS.
YAG:
YeAG:
Tommy, nSW
Tayla, ACT
MYAG
CYF
Keely, nt
Cheyenne, WA
Sarah, SA
Guess or search for what they stand for and send it to
clubCREATE@create.org for your chance to go into the draw to win a $50
voucher to spend at Coles!
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Learn more about these young people driving change here:
Meet CREATE’s National Experience to Action Board (Youth) -
CREATE Foundation.
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Day in the life of a
create intern
SNAP THAT
STIGMA
Our New South Wales intern, Alice, shares
some behind the scenes snaps of a typical
day at work. Thank you Alice for documenting
your day through images!
Meet Timothy, a 20-year-old from Darwin
who's all about music, fishing, and hanging
with friends. Timothy grew up in out-ofhome
care in Darwin and also spent some
time in care in Tasmania.
Timothy has been involved in
Roundtable discussions, recorded videos on
‘what makes a good carer’ and also got to
attend CREATE’s Voices in Action
Conference in Adelaide earlier this year.
He’s been speaking up wherever he can to
improve the care system for the next
generation.
“I am just trying to
advocate where I can.”
But Timothy's journey hasn't been without
challenges. In school, he faced stigma about
being in foster care. Unfortunately, this
came from some of his teachers and other
kids who just didn't always understand,
labelling him unfairly using words like
‘orphan’.
"Teachers sometimes treat
foster kids as if they're all
the same, without
understanding our different
backgrounds. It's important to
recognise where each child is
coming from and how to
support them."
Overcoming stigma wasn't easy. Timothy
stayed true to himself, showing others that
being in foster care didn't define him. He
believes schools should educate teachers
more about foster care.
“I showed them that I'm just
like them, but I just have it
different. So, you know, once
they finally understood me,
I was happy, and a lot of the
stigma went away. People just
need a little bit more understanding
about how foster care
is.”
Timothy's advice to others facing stigma? Be
yourself and find what interests you. For him,
music was more than a hobby—it was a way
to understanding and acceptance.
“I now play instruments and
that's where I made a lot of
my friends. It helps me to
communicate the way that I
feel.”
Timothy has a new program idea he has
called, "Reconnect," and aims to connect
kids in care with their culture and family.
During the NAIDOC ball last month, Tim
discussed his idea with the Chief Minister,
who was enthusiastic and eager to explore it
further. CREATE stands ready to support Tim
in any way necessary to bring his vision to
life.
Let’s snap that stigma together! Speak up and
stay true to yourself like Timothy!
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If you have a #SnapthatStigma story to share, please email
marketing@create.org.au
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competition central
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PHOTO COMPETITION
Whether you're into hiking, biking, or simply exploring the great outdoors, this
competition is all about celebrating your outdoor escapades and creativity through
photography.
1. Get Out There: Lace up your hiking boots, hop
on your bike, or find your favourite spot in nature.
The contest is all about capturing moments when
you're out enjoying the fresh air and beautiful
scenery.
2. Snap Away: Bring your camera or use your
smartphone to take amazing photos during your
outdoor adventures. Capture landscapes, wildlife,
action shots—anything that showcases your
outdoor experience.
3. Share Your Best Shots: Choose your favourite
photos (you can submit up to 3 entries) to and
share them with us.
4. Submit Entries: Send your photos to
clubCREATE@create.org.au by the 18th October.
Don't forget to include your name, contact info,
and a brief description of each photo (where it
was taken, what inspired you, etc.)
SMILEY SURVEY
Fill in this survey to
go in the draw for
prizes
Are you ready to WIN?! Check out
the awesome vouchers we have
up for grabs!
Caption This Photo
Take a look at this photo and give it your
best caption—let your imagination run
wild! The most creative and fitting
captions will win a $50 Voucher to
spend at over 100 different retailers!
Positive Affirmation Challenge:
Spread Joy with Words!
Join our Positive Affirmation Challenge and brighten
someone's day with uplifting messages!
How It Works:
• Create Affirmations: Write short, positive affirmations
that promote mental well-being. For example, "You are
strong," "You are loved," "You can achieve anything!"
• Share them with CREATE! Send them to us so we can
share these with other young people and you’ll go in the
draw to win a $50 voucher.
To enter this competition:
1. Send your entry via email to clubCREATE@create.org.au
2. Send us a message on Instagram @CREATEfnd or Facebook /CREATEfnd
3. Enter on our website at www.create.org.au/competitions
4. Post it back to us free of charge! Send to Reply Paid 87694 SPRING HILL QLD 4004
Entries close 18 October 2024. Make sure you include your name and age, and if you know it your
clubCREATE ID number. GOOD LUCK!
The vouchers will come through via Gift Pay. You can choose to spend it at the locations stipulated or you can choose
another store.
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To enter this competition:
1. Send your entry via email to clubCREATE@create.org.au
2. Send us a message on Instagram @CREATEfnd or Facebook /CREATEfnd
3. Enter on our website at www.create.org.au/competitions
4. Post it back to us free of charge! Send to Reply Paid 87694 SPRING HILL QLD 4004
Entries close 18 October 2024. Make sure you include your name and age, and if you know it your
clubCREATE ID number. GOOD LUCK!
The vouchers will come through via Gift Pay. You can choose to spend it at the locations stipulated or you can choose
another store. 17

State SNAPSHOTS
South Australia also held their annual sibling
Connection Event that brought more than 100
children, young people and their carers
together over the weekend for a fun day at
Inflatable Zone! CREATE was so fortunate to
have the incredibly talented First Nations artist
Emmarita Brown from Yankirri Arts produce this
spectacular artwork (pictured) for the event,
providing a visual representation of sibling
connection.
Young people in Western
Australia had an exciting time
at a recent Youth Advisory
Group (YAG) meeting about
hobbies and interests in
out-of-home care. After
sharing their thoughts, they
enjoyed some fun go-kart
racing!
In true Territory Style, NT held a YAG at
Barramundi Adventures where all of
our young people caught Barra’s including
one measuring a whopping 74cm! After two
hours of fishing, young people shared the
importance of culture and what it means for
them to be connected to their culture.
Young people in New South Wales
held a Roundtable with Minister
Kate Washington MP where they
discussed their experiences of
#ResidentialCare and what needs
to change for young people in resi
right now. HUGE shoutout to all of
the young people involved who put
in months of preparation for this
event.
CREATE in the ACT went
ICE Skating to celebrate
more CREATE Young
Consultants completing
their Speak Up Training!
Members of the Youth Expert Advisory Group
(YEAG) in Victoria organised and led an
insightful forum, providing professionals with
lived perspectives and valuable knowledge on
mental health and housing to better support
care-leavers in Victoria.
The Brissy team took
part in the NAIDOC Week
Musgrave Park Family Fun
Day - the biggest cultural
celebration of its kind in
Australia!
CREATE in Tasmania hosted a silent disco in
Hobart! This event saw children and young
people dancing, singing and giggling away
with their carers, families and the CREATE
staff! This connection event was friendly
and accessible to everyone, including those
with sensory considerations.
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Want to know what events are on
near you?
Call your local state team or check out all
our events at: create.org.au/find-an-event
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YOU ROCK!
Edition 3 2024 Winners
OUR COMP WINNERS
FROM LAST MAG ARE
(DRUMROLL PLEASE!):
Evie
Madeline
Jaya
Dekai
Zac
Malakai
Chloe
CONGRATULATIONS! WE HOPE
YOU ENJOY YOUR PRIZES!
We would also like to give a shout out to the Young Consultants to who
helped us pull this magazine together for you:
Eshal, Lachlan, Myrakii and timothy
HOW TO STAY
CONNECTED WITH CREATE
CREATE Foundation Limited
National Office
Level 6, 80 George Street
Parramatta NSW 2150
Tel 1800 655 105
ABN 69 088 075 058
If you do not wish to receive
newsletters and program
information from CREATE
Foundation please email
clubCREATE@create.org.au or
phone CREATE on (07) 3062 4860 to
have your address removed from
the mailing list.
If you want to attend awesome events with
CREATE make sure you are a clubCREATE
member so you can automatically receive
invitations and information. Other ways to
contact CREATE:
1. Become a clubCREATE member and join up at
www.create.org.au
2. Call your local CREATE office on 1800 655 105
and talk to one of the team about what’s
3. coming up.
4. If you are already a clubCREATE member – make
sure your clubCREATE membership details are
up-to-date.
5. Visit www.create.org.au to find out more about
how we can support you.