clubCREATE Magazine Edition 2 2026

PRIZES TO BE WON INSIDE!
ENTER THE COMPETITIONS FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
clubCREATE
Magazine
‘TO CREATE CHANGE IS TO
CREATE IMPACT’
By Wiradjuri Artist, Leticia Forbes
Edition 2 2026

Welcome to the
clubCREATE
magazine
EDITION 2 2026
IN THIS
ISSUE:
Hi clubCREATE crew!
Welcome to this special edition of clubCREATE Magazine.
This edition is all about culture, connection, and the power of coming together, but it’s also about
something bigger: your rights and the changes we’re working towards, together.
This edition is inspired by CREATE’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). It’s not just another
document, this is our commitment to walking alongside First Nations young people, families, and
communities, and showing up as an ally. It means working with and learning from First Nations
advocates, community leaders, organisations, and researchers, and being part of a journey that
supports young people to grow, learn, and heal in culturally safe ways.
You might notice the powerful artwork on the cover: “To Create Change is to Create Impact” by
Wiradjuri artist and former CREATE Young Consultant, Leticia Forbes. Her work is a reminder that
change happens when people speak up and that young people, like you, are a big part of that.
Inside, you’ll still find all the things you love… creative challenges, stories and advice from other
young people with care experience, and a snapshot of what’s been happening across CREATE.
Imogen
CEO, CREATE Foundation
Your voice
matters
survey!
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15
2 Welcome
4 To Create Change is to
Create Impact
6 Art Challenge
8 What You've Told Us
10 Tim's Take on Connection
to Culture
12 Competition Central
16 Snap That Stigma!
18 CREATE in Action
Around Australia!
20 You Rock Spot
We love your feedback!
Send suggestions into clubCREATE@create.org.au
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 92324,
Parramatta NSW, 2150. 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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To create
change is to
Here's what each part of
the picture means:
create impact
‘To Create Change is to Create Impact’
showcases the voices of children and young
people, supporting the future they want for
themselves and their communities. It
celebrates the knowledge, culture, and
strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples and reflects CREATE
Foundation’s commitment to connection,
allyship, and reconciliation.
This artwork was created as part of CREATE’s
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to visually
represent CREATE’s dedication to building
respectful relationships, amplifying First
Nations voices, and embedding cultural
knowledge into our work with children and
young people in care.
A RAP is a way organisations like CREATE show
they respect and celebrate Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander cultures. It’s about
learning, connecting, and working together to
make our communities stronger and fairer.
To find out more head to:
To find out more head to:
https://create.org.au/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-resources/
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ART CHALLENGE!
Art That Tells
We want YOU to get creative and tell your story!
Your Story, Your Culture,
Your Voice
This is your chance to make artwork that celebrates who you are, your
community, or something you care about - inspired by First Nations art,
symbols, and storytelling. It’s all about meaning, not perfection!
How to enter:
Make a piece of art that tells a story. It can be
painting, drawing, digital, collage, or mixed
media.
a Story
For years, CREATE and the
Queensland Family & Child
Commission have been running
an art competition in Queensland
that celebrates young people with
a care experience - and the talent
is seriously next level. Check these
out!
At this year’s Art Showcase during
Youth Week, more than 70
artworks were on display,
highlighting stories, culture and
creativity from across the region.
With People’s Choice voting and
prizes up to $300, the competition
brought the excitement too.
1st Place
This year’s winner, a First Nations artist,
was inspired by cultural designs she
found in a book, then reimagined them
in her own unique style.
Write a short note (50–100 words) about
what your art means and the story behind it.
“Art can tell a
story of where you
have been in the
past.”
Young Person, SA.
If you’re a Queenslander and want
to get involved, check it out here:
https://create.org.au/qfcc-art-competition/
2nd Place
Win a Deluxe 139-Piece Art Kit!
Packed with everything you need to get creative,
this awesome set includes 2 sketch pads, watercolour
paints, coloured pencils, oil pastels, and heaps
more… all neatly stored in a stylish blue carry case.
3rd Place
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What you’ve told us
about culture and
connection
You’ve told us that staying connected to your culture, family,
community, and Country is what helps you feel strong, proud,
and supported.
“There needs to be more Aboriginal
liaison officers coming into residential
care homes. There needs to be better
communication between child safety and
their mob because right now the
communication is nothing. They need for
kids to feel connected to culture and
actually feel safe to learn about their
culture.”
Young Person, QLD
“I feel too white for my family and too
black to everyone else. I shouldn’t feel
shame and wouldn’t if I had stayed
connected to my culture. That’s
important.”
Young Person, NT
“I feel disconnected from my
people and my Country. I feel a
lot of shame and hurt.”
Young Person, NT
“Culture is important, because
without it I wouldn’t be me, my
culture is important but I wish I had
the chance to understand it more
growing up in care.”
Young Person, NT
“Foster that connection to culture, country and
mob. It’s extremely important for young
Indigenous people to know where they come from,
language, culture, family… and embrace it.”
Young person, QLD
Communities leading
the way
First Nations communities should
make decisions about how kids
are cared for, because they know
what’s best for their young people.
Support that fits
the community
More support and funding should
go to Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander organisations so they can
provide care that respects culture
and community needs.
[Cultural support] wasn’t done well,
no one believed me as I have light skin
so I was never given extra help.”
Young Person, QLD
What we are working
towards... together
Staying connected
to culture
Every child has the right to stay
connected to their culture,
family, language, and Country.
People to stand up
for your rights
There should be dedicated
leaders whose job is to make
sure Aboriginal
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Tim’s take on
connection to
Culture
Want to connect
with your
culture but not
sure where to
start? Here are
some ideas:
1. Talk to
someone you
trust
Ask a family member, carer,
teacher, or CREATE worker
about local programs and
events.
2. Find local community groups
Look for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, youth programs, or cultural
centres in your area.
3. Join events and activities
Check out NAIDOC Week celebrations, cultural workshops, or community days — a fun way
to learn and meet people.
4. Learn from Elders and community leaders
4. Learn from Elders and community leaders
Elders and leaders can share stories, traditions, and guidance that help you feel
connected.
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Places to learn more
AIATSIS (Australian
Institute of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait
Islander Studies)
AIATSIS is Australia’s national place for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,
histories and knowledge. It looks after the
world’s largest collection of First Nations
stories, languages, photos and cultural
materials, helping make sure they are
protected and shared for future generations.
? https://aiatsis.gov.au/about-aiatsis
SNAICC – National
Voice for our
Children
National peak body for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander children and families.
Focus: culture, family connection, child
rights, community-led systems.
? https://www.snaicc.org.au
Link-Up (Family Tracing & Reunion Services)
Link-Up helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people reconnect with family,
community and Country if they’ve been separated. This can include support to search
for family records, find relatives, and understand family history.
? https://aiatsis.gov.au/link-up-family-tracing-and-reunion-services
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Competition
Central
FINISH THE SENTENCE
Culture, connection and reconciliation can mean different things to everyone and
we want to hear what it means to you.
All you have to do is finish one of these sentences:
Culture is…
I feel connected when…
Reconciliation means…
SORTLI
SCAVENGER HUNT
Did you know you can explore culture and connection right on the Sortli app?
We’re challenging you to jump into the app and discover something new!
Your mission:
1. Open the Sortli app
2. Find information on culture
3. Find one thing you didn’t know before
How to enter:
1. Tell us ONE thing you learned:
• A new resource
• A community group
• Something about culture or connection
That’s it. No pressure... just your
thoughts, your way. Enter by
submitting one sentence
By entering you can go into the
draw to win a $50 Voucher to
spend at your favourite shop
(Voucher can be used at over
100 places) and selected
entries will be featured on
CREATE social media.
You can write a sentence or take a screenshot.
No state listed? No stress!
Sortli is tailored to each state, but you can select any state - the info is still super
helpful wherever you are.
Entries go in the draw to win a
$50 Voucher.
All competitions in the mag: Entries Close 22nd July 2026.
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 92324, Parramatta NSW, 2150
The vouchers will come through via Gift Pay so you can spend it at over 100 different retailers!
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#SnapThatStigma
with Patrice
Patrice has plenty to be proud of as a
much-loved Aunty, known
affectionately to her niece as “T”, and
also as a respected pet sitter. But the
road hasn’t been easy for Patrice.
“Growing up in care I was constantly
told I couldn't have nice things
because I was a foster child. I was
also bullied a lot for being in foster
care.”
Despite the challenges Patrice faced in
her younger years, she turned her love
for animals into a career and is
passionate about showing young
people with a care experience that it
gets better... That they too can achieve
their dreams.
“Being in care has helped me realise
that just because you come from a
tough background doesn't mean you
can't do great things and achieve
your goals. Kids in care can grow up
to be some of the most amazing and
life changing people ever.”
She thinks people could make the
lives of kids in care a whole lot easier
by simply being non-judgemental and
not jumping to conclusions.
“Be more supportive of children in
care and don’t judge them because of
where they have come from!”
Patrice says it is her family who help her
through tough times by lending an ear
to listen. She also credits country music
for how it tells stories that she can
connect with.
“Me and my family all love country
music!”
Patrice also gave a special mention to
her fur child Ziggy for being a great
companion through the highs and lows.
If you would like to tell the
clubCREATE community how you
are smashing stereotypes email
marketing@create.org.au
“Just because you’ve
had a tough start
doesn’t mean you
can’t do amazing
things and reach
your goals.”
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CREATE IN ACTION! Snapshots
from around AUs
South
Australia
Over 65 children and young
people came together with
their carers for CREATE's
annual Sibling Connection
event.
Victoria
Young people came together at
our March YAG for a hands-on
Indigenous art workshop,
exploring storytelling through
colour, pattern and connection
to culture.
From giraffes to lions (and plenty
of “aww” moments), our
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Connection Event gave young
people a fun chance to explore
New South Wales
Our team visited Wagga Wagga and
Albury, taking part in an Aboriginal
cultural tour and learning alongside
Mirri Mirri. A meaningful trip spent
listening, learning, and building
connections with regional
communities.
Northern Territory
Youth Homelessness Awareness Day
– Couch Surfing was a fantastic event
filled with young people showing their
support for an important cause.
We held a Roundtable event, which
saw many young people attend and
confidently advocate for their needs.
This event provided a safe space for
young people to speak about what is
working well within the department
and what needs to change.
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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/events 17
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Western Australia
We kicked off Youth Week 2026
in WA with a Connection Event at
BOUNCE…so much fun! We also
brought young people together for
a YAG session to share, connect, and
speak up about the importance of
youth voice in the child protection
system, celebrating this year’s theme,
“Strength in our Stories".
Tasmania
We welcomed both new and existing CREATE members to dive into
our SUP training workshop at the Tassie office. This 2-day workshop
included a trip out for lunch, and a mindful pottery painting session
with Stonedust Pottery!
Queensland
A fun day at David Fleay’s
wildlife park and saw crocs,
kangaroos, and lots of other
animals!
During Youth Week we went to
Hijinx Hotel & Holey Moley. We
worked up a sweat completing
ten challenge rooms, followed
by lunch and 9 rounds of mini
golf.
Australian Capital Territory
We had a delicious, action packed Easter Connection event at Woden
Skatepark. Everyone learnt some fun skateboarding skills, enjoyed a picnic
lunch and finished off with an Easter Egg Hunt! Can’t wait to see you all at
our next Connection event!!
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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/events 19

YOU ROCK!
Edition 1 2026 Winners
OUR COMP WINNERS FROM LAST MAG ARE
(DRUMROLL PLEASE!):
Mackenzie
Amber
Mark
Isabelle
Adella
and Tii
CONGRATULATIONS! WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR PRIZES!
A huge shout-out and thank you to the amazing young
people who helped create this edition of clubCREATE
magazine: Patrice, Tim, Zac & Ellie.
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.