Edition 1 clubCREATE Magazine Over 12 2025

PRIZES TO BE WON INSIDE! ENTER THE COMPETITIONS FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
clubCREATE
Magazine
25 years and
beyond
Share your fave
CREATE memory and
WIN!
Become a CREATE
Champion and win
$300 at Rebel
Snapshots of CREATE in
action all around
Australia
Edition 1 2025

Welcome to the
clubCREATE
magazine
EDITION 1 2025
IN THIS
ISSUE:
Hi everyone,
Welcome to Edition 1 for 2025, celebrating 25 Years and Beyond!
For 25 years, CREATE has stood with you, amplifying your voices, fighting for your rights, and sparking
real change. We’re beyond proud of all we’ve accomplished together.
We’re also excited for the future. Our new Strategic Plan is all about sharing our vision for the next 3
years, based on your voices, ideas and dreams.
This edition is packed with memories, milestones and inspiring stories.
We also have a CREATE Bingo challenge where you can become the ultimate CREATE Champion, and
there’s the chance to share your CREATE memories to win a $50 voucher and way more!
This is just the beginning. Join us as we continue to work towards a future where every young person in
care has the opportunity to thrive.
Warm wishes,
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 Party Time: We're 25!
6 The Next Chapter:
Powered by You!
8 Our Advocacy Priorities
10 World Care Day
12 State Snapshots
16 Tandara chats Disability
and Mental Health
18 CREATE Bingo
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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Party Time:
We're 25!
For 25 incredible years, we’ve been by your side, making sure your voices are heard
loud and clear, championing your rights, and driving positive change. What an amazing
journey and privilege it’s been! Here are just a few things we’re super proud of:
SHARE YOUR MEMORY TO WIN!!
What’s your favourite CREATE memory? Share it with us and go into the
draw to win a $50 Voucher to spend at your favourite shops!
For all the cool comps found in this mag, make sure you include your name and age, and if you
know it, your clubCREATE Membership Number.
To enter any of these challenges/competitions:
1. Send your answers/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
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The Next Chapter:
Powered by YOU!
Through surveys, hundreds of young people
shared what’s working, what could be better,
and how CREATE can help even more.
So, what’s next? CREATE has an exciting new
Strategic Plan that’s all about taking action on
what young people want over the next three
years.
CREATE Young Consultant Ruby asked our CEO
aka CREATE Caption, Imogen, the questions
you all want to know:
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Imogen
CREATE CEO
Ruby
CREATE Young Consultant
What do you see CREATE
doing over the next few
years that will give care
experienced young people
the chance to thrive?
At CREATE, we live and breathe our
commitment to elevating the rights and
voices of kids. CREATE genuinely meets a
need for young people. We are independent
from both government and service providers,
and we are uniquely centred around the lived
experience of children and young people.
"Over the next few years, we want to
continue being a safe, meaningful,
responsive community where children
and young people with a care
experience can come together to
connect, feel seen and heard, and feel
a sense of belonging and
empowerment."
We also really want to step up and work
alongside young people with lived experience
to influence major system change to improve
experiences and outcomes for children. We
will engage in collective action to influence
positive change, alongside young people.
And finally, because demand for CREATE
services is growing, over the next three years,
we want to expand our programs and
advocacy. That way, we can respond to this
growing need in creative ways, based on what
young people tell us they need from CREATE.
How do you hope to overcome the
challenges that CREATE
experiences?
We have a bunch of challenges but we also have a huge
number of strengths. These strengths will help us to build
new opportunities, grow and evolve, and meet any
challenges along the way with integrity and creativity.
So, we will be drawing on strengths like:
• Listening to children and young people and
embedding young voices and feedback in
everything we do.
• Our dedicated team of people working at
CREATE, who are very committed and highly skilled at
showing up day after day for young people.
• Strong collaboration with community and sector partners
for collective impact on the things that matter to young
people.
• Our courageous and independent advocacy.
• And our creativity in finding new ways to do things, based
on what young people tell us is helpful.
These are the things that will see us through
changing times.
What will be done to ensure that
more care experienced young
people in regional and rural
areas learn about CREATE in order
for them to get involved?
We’ve heard loud and clear from children and young people
living in regional and rural areas that they want more access
to CREATE programs and advocacy opportunities, and so our
new Strategic Plan includes a commitment around this. This
commitment involves an increase in CREATE’s regional
activities as a particular goal of ours.
We hope to do this through increased funding that allows
us to employ more staff to deliver programs in regional
areas and to cover the costs of travel. But even without extra
funding, we are looking at how we can work with community,
government and sector partners so that more young people
in regional areas learn about CREATE and so that CREATE can
get out into regional areas more often to become a real
positive presence in the lives of care experienced young
people, no matter where they live. We’ll keep you updated on
how we go.
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CREATE
advocacy Priorities
Our CREATE Advocacy Priorities turn your ideas into action to
make life better for young people in care!
Young people in residential care
deserve a place that feels like home, with
care workers who really get to know them
and build strong relationships.
It’s important to have stability, help with
healing, and everything they need to
grow and thrive.
Strong connections with siblings,
family, and kin are important for
helping young people in care feel
like they belong, know who they
are, and build emotional strength.
Every kid and young person in care
deserves a safe, stable, and supportive
home where their needs come first, their
relationships are valued, and they can
stay connected to their community.
Having safe, steady, and meaningful
relationships is super important for
kids and young people in care to feel
happy, supported, and secure.
Getting the right health and wellbeing
support is key to helping kids and young
people in care have better lives and reach
their full potential.
Having fair access to education
is important for helping kids and
young people in care chase their
dreams and achieve their goals.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
kids have the right to stay connected to
Every young person has the right to
their culture, community, and identity,
be proud of who they are and get
with care that respects and supports
the support they need to grow and
Changing the youth justice system is
who they are.
thrive.
important to help break the cycle of
Every young person leaving care
young people getting caught up in
should have the support, resources,
8 the system, making sure they get the
and stability they need to make a
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support they need.
successful transition to adulthood.

World Care Day 2025:
Celebrating
Every Journey!
We’re shining a spotlight on the incredible
stories of those in care. With the theme
“Celebrating Every Journey,” we’re honouring
the different path that each person takes.
This day is about celebrating the strength,
courage and achievements of young people
in care.
Let’s #SnapThatStigma
Together!
Let’s celebrate these stories
and show the world how
amazing you all are. Being in
care is just one part of your
story, not the whole picture.
Share your story or celebrate
someone else’s by using the
hashtag #SnapThatStigma.
Tayla’s Determination:
“There have been people who didn’t
believed in me and saw me as less
than because of what I have been
through and what I did to survive. I
started to overcome the stigma the
moment I realised I wanted more
for myself and there was absolutely
nothing in this world that was going
to stop me from achieving what I
wanted to achieve and the person I
wanted to be.”
Wade’s Strength:
“My friendly personality and love of
helping others are my biggest strengths.
I’m proud of earning certificates at TAFE,
getting a job with a local disability care
provider, and playing for the local football
team. I’ve also volunteered at the base
hospital, SES, and St. Johns Ambulance.
Helping others makes me happy, and I’m
proud of everything I’ve achieved!”
Jackie’s Journey:
“It’s hard to pick a moment I’m most
proud of because I’m proud of how
far I’ve come. At 15, I never thought
I’d be where I am today. I was told
over and over that my dreams were
too big, but I made them happen.
What I’m most proud of is that my
story might inspire another young
person to follow their dreams.”
Nakita’s Dance Story:
“I started dancing when I was 5.
Growing up in foster care, dance
became my saviour—it helped me
express my emotions and
navigate tough times. Through
dance, I found confidence, built
lifelong friendships, and
discovered a joy that keeps me
going every day.”
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State SNAPSHOTS
Northern Territory
NT Christmas Party (with 120 of you!).
Thanks to our partners and of course all you
legends who came along to celebrate.
Bringing the beats at NT’s last Youth
Advisory Group for 2024. The rap created is
nothing short of powerful.
Listen now.
South Australia
CREATE capped off 2024 connecting
with cubbies, kites, and potions in the
park!
New South
Wales
CREATE Young Consultants made their
voices heard at NSW Parliament. They
shared their powerful stories,
achievements, and continued the fight
against stigma with Minister Kate
Washington MP and allies.
Thumbs up for an amazing
time at THRIVE 2024! Huge
thanks to our CREATE Young
Consultants, Lachlan and
Mary, for sharing their
powerful voices on the lived
experience panel.
Santa Claws?
Nope, it’s Santa Scales!
Victoria
Team VIC celebrated at
Funfields Water Park with
100 attendees, a BBQ lunch
from Rotary, and Santa bags
from A Better Life for Foster
Kids – thank you! CREATE
Santa made it extra special
with gifts and chocolates.
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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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State SNAPSHOTS
Tasmania
Trampolines, climbing
walls, and Santa hats -
now THAT’S a Christmas
party! Thanks for
bouncing into the festive
spirit with us, Tassie.
Queensland
Queensland’s young artists are truly
inspiring! Check out some of the
amazing entries in the Queensland Family
and Child Commission Art Competition.
Want to get involved? Click here to join
the creative fun!
Western
Australia
Major FOAMO at WA’s end-of-year
bash! CREATE and young people had
a blast celebrating with foam, fun,
and fantastic memories!
CREATE had an
awesome time at
Pride Fest in Perth,
spreading love and
friendship, one
bracelet at a time!
130+ Queenslanders
made a splash at
Wet’n’Wild to float into
the holidays in style.
Gus took the plunge! Our
CREATE mascot got dunked
at the Transition to
Adulthood event in
Ipswich - talk about
dedication!
Australian Capital
Territory
Young people in the ACT took charge through
YAGs, sharing what teachers need to know
about being in care. You highlighted big
topics like trauma, safe spaces, and
better support, which were turned into four
key focus areas. With help from the
Education Directorate, these resources will
roll out in 2025 – driven by your voices!
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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 15

Tandara chats Mental
Health and Disability
Tandara, one of our incredible editorial group
members for this mag, has shared some awesome
insights about Mental Health and Disability to help
us all learn and understand more. Thanks for sharing
your knowledge, Tandara.
Meet Tandara
“Hi guys, I’m Tandara. I’m 18 years old. I’m an
Aboriginal young person who lived in the care system
since young. I have loads of siblings including some I
haven’t met. I been in the care system since the age of
5 years old and I’m now 18, transitioning to be able to
live independently. I love art, music, drawing,
colouring and anything creative. I love finding out
family research to find my connection to family and
connection to Country. When I’m older I would love
to be a learning support Aboriginal teacher as I
believe young people and children need support.”
Mental Health
Mental health is about how we think, feel, and handle
life’s challenges. It affects how we cope with stress,
relate to others, and make decisions in our daily lives.
Types of mental health
conditions:
• Depressive disorders – Feeling persistently sad,
hopeless, or uninterested in things you once
enjoyed.
• Mood disorders – Changes in emotions that can
affect daily life, like extreme highs and lows.
• Anxiety disorders – Constant worry, fear, or
nervousness that can make everyday tasks feel
overwhelming.
• Bipolar disorder – Shifts between high-energy
moods (mania) and low-energy moods
(depression).
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“I remind myself.
I will recover from my
mental health.
I will be ok from my
faded self.
I hope I’m ok because of
the feeling I felt.”
Looking after your
mental health:
✅ Do activities you enjoy
✅ Stay active and exercise regularly
✅ Set small goals to keep you motivated
✅ Get enough sleep and take time to relax
✅ Eat or drink something that makes you feel
good
What to do when
struggling with mental
health?
✅ Talk to a friend or family
✅ Plan time for a hobby you enjoy
✅ Spend time outside regularly
✅ Practice good sleep pattern
Disability
A disability is someone’s physical, mental,
intellectual or sensory impairment that impacts
various barriers or impacts their daily interactions.
Types of disabilities
• Learning disabilities – Affect how someone
processes and understands information.
• Intellectual disabilities – Impact reasoning,
problem-solving, and everyday skills.
• Physical disabilities – Affect movement,
strength, or coordination.
• Sensory disabilities – Impact sight, hearing, or
touch.
• Neurological disabilities – Affect the brain,
nerves, or how the body functions.
“We are fighters
But we are not that type of riser
I can be way brighter
I am capable to be a survivor
But I can go way higher
But I will always be that fighter.”
This is advice from a young
person with lived experience in
care, not a medical professional.
For medical advice, please
consult your GP.
Managing your disability
✅ Get support for work and education
✅ Create inclusive spaces where everyone feels
valued
✅ Use helpful tools and resources to make
things easier
✅ What to do when struggling with a disability?
✅ Accepting yourself and your disability
✅ Find support and reach out when needed
✅ Look after yourself and make your health a
priority
✅ Find strategies and seek assistance
If you need help or more
support check out:
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (Free and confidential,
available 24/7)
• Lifeline:13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support for
anyone in distress)
• Headspace:1800 650 890 (Support for young
people, open 9am–1am)
• Sortli: CREATE’s app, that is free to download
with heaps of advice and links to support)
• NDIS Hotline: 1800 800 110 (Help needed for
a disability)
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CREATE BINGO
Are you ready to take on the ultimate CREATE challenge? Introducing CREATE Bingo!
The rules are simple: Complete the below activities and mark off your bingo squares. Tackle the
whole board to become a CREATE Bingo Champion.
WIN WIN WIN!!
Have you spotted the cheeky Easter bunny hiding in these pages?
Take another look and count how many times you can find it! The
correct answers will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a
DELICIOUS EASTER CHOCOLATE HAMPER worth around $100! This
was our most popular competition last year, so we’re bringing it
back - but with a little extra challenge this time.
Happy searching! Once you’ve got your answer, email it to:
clubCREATE@create.org.au
Your
Feedback
Fill out our CREATE Member Feedback form and
let us know what you think about us, what we’re
doing well, and how we can improve. Your voice
matters, and your feedback helps us make
CREATE even better.
Head HERE.
*if you are not on social media, no stress! Just leave these boxes off.
Win Prizes!
Complete and submit your bingo card before 1 December 2025 and you’ll go into the
draw to win a $300 Rebel Gift Voucher!! Once you have completed the whole board
(take photos to prove each one), send it in to clubCREATE@create.org.au
TO ENTER:
All competitions in the mag (except Bingo): Entries Close 2 May 2025
To enter any of these challenges/competitions:
1. Send your answers/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
The vouchers will come through via Gift Pay so you can spend it at over 100 different retailers!
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YOU ROCK!
Edition 4 2024 Winners
OUR COMP WINNERS
FROM LAST MAG ARE
(DRUMROLL PLEASE!):
Skyla & Scarlett
CONGRATULATIONS! WE HOPE
YOU ENJOY YOUR PRIZES!
Thank you to the young people who helped put this magazine
together as part of the editorial group for this edition:
Tandara, Ash, and Farani.
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 1800 655 105 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.