Our programs are how CREATE brings Connect, Empower, Change to life. They’re designed to help young people in care feel part of a community, build confidence, and have real influence over decisions and systems that affect them.
Each program works together - clubCREATE is where it all begins, then they may join workshops, advisory groups, or advocacy opportunities. Through all of them, young people’s lived experience leads the way.
Open to all children and young people with a care experience (ages 0-25). clubCREATE is your gateway into CREATE - it offers membership, magazines, competitions, birthday messages, welcome packs, and connection to other young people.
“I love CREATE and one day when I'm older I want to work for the [clubCREATE] magazine and inspire people like me.” – Young Person
CREATE’s Connection Events are at the heart of what we do - bringing children and young people in care together to make friends, have fun, and feel part of a community that understands them.
These events create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can connect with peers who “get it,” share experiences, and build lasting memories.
Why connection matters Being in out-of-home care can sometimes feel isolating. Connection Events help young people:
Feel a sense of belonging - surrounded by others with shared experiences
Build friendships in a relaxed, safe environment
Have fun through creative, social, and active experiences that spark joy
Who can come along Our events are open to:
Children and young people with a care experience
Carers, who are encouraged to join and share in the fun
Workers, who help support and celebrate the young people they work with
What's On Connection Events happen all year across Australia, from local meet-ups to big celebrations. Some of our favourites include:
Halloween parties - games, costumes, and laughter in a safe space
Easter events - egg hunts, crafts, and connection
Christmas parties - festive fun with gifts and activities for all ages
Sibling connection events - special gatherings to help siblings living apart reconnect and spend meaningful time together
CREATE’s Youth Advisory Groups (YAGs) give young people aged 10-25 with a care experience a chance to speak up, be heard, and help make the care system better. YAGs are relaxed, youth-friendly meetings where young people can share their ideas, talk about what’s working (and what’s not), and connect with others who get what it’s like to be in care.
What happens at a YAG? Each YAG is different - sometimes it’s about discussions, other times it’s hands-on activities or community events. But every YAG is:
A safe and supportive space to share experiences
A place to connect with other young people and CREATE staff
A way to influence CREATE’s advocacy, programs, and resources
Activities can include creative workshops, cultural sessions, games, and social outings.
Why it matters What young people say in YAGs helps shape:
CREATE's projects and advocacy priorities
Conversations with governments and services
System and policy changes that makes living in care better
And just as importantly, YAGs build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging.
Who can join If you're aged 10-25 and have a care experience, you're welcome to join.
YAGs run regularly across all states and territories - in person and online - so it's easy to get involved, even if you live in a regional area.
Join clubCREATEto find out when the next YAG is happening near you!
“Being around other young people that have been through care makes me feel like I’m not alone.”- Young Person
“The YAGs helped me find my advocacy voice. I feel heard and I get to be myself.”- Young Person
Speak Up (SUP) is CREATE’s flagship empowerment and advocacy program for young people aged 14-25 with a care experience. It’s about learning to use your voice, build confidence, and stand up for what matters - safely, strongly, and with support.
Delivered by trained CREATE staff in every state and territory, Speak Up workshops help young people:
Build confidence, self-awareness, and leadership
Develop communication and advocacy skills
Understand how the care system works and how to influence change
Why it Matters Through advocacy, teamwork and skill-building participants grow the confidence to lead change in their own lives and across the country.
“Speak Up was so good! It helped me realise I’m not alone - and that my voice can change things.”- Young person
Want to Speak Up? Visit our events page to get involved in the next Speak Up program.
“Speak Up gave me the chance to use my story to make a difference - not just for me, but for other young people in care.”- Young Consultant
Life-skills workshops, grants, resources, and tools to support young people transitioning from care into adulthood (ages 15-25). Topics include housing, health, money, relationships, identity, work/education, and more.
CREATE Your Future is part of our transition suite - a bunch of tools and resources we’ve developed with young people to help them in their journey to independence.
