Contact Information

Street Address : 325-327 Queensberry Street, NORTH MELBOURNE Victoria 3051
Postal Address : 325-327 Queensberry Street, NORTH MELBOURNE Victoria 3051
Contact Number : (03) 9918 0002 or 1800 655 105
Email : victoria@create.org.au or to register for an event at vic.events@create.org.au
Office Hours : Mon – Fri 9.00am – 5.00pm

About the CREATE VIC Team

Cathy Carnovale Position: State Cordinator About Cathy: I have been working at CREATE for a few years now and I love it. My job is awesome – I get to meet inspiring young people and advocate for their voices to be heard! Part of my role is to work with our NYAC delegates advocating for change, running Young consultants training, and organising and delivering our Triple C events (Club CREATE Connection Events). I have been working with young people in out of home care for almost 15 years in heaps of different ways, but the best is of course CREATE. I love turning the radio up, mango smoothies and Ratchet and clank! I would love to meet you at one of our events or consultations. ‘Be the change in the world you want to see.’- Ghandi
Loren Polzot Position: Community Facilitator About Loren: My name is Loren and I am really excited to be part of the CREATE team here in Victoria. I have worked for many years in the youth sector in NSW. I remember the early days of CREATE when they were called the Australian Association of Young People in Care. I worked with some people who helped get CREATE off the ground so it’s great to see how far the organisation has come. I have been in Victoria for 10 years now and have worked in a variety of different areas but am really happy to be back working with young people and youth sector! I am very passionate about supporting young people to be actively involved in decision making at all levels and to express their ideas and experiences in creative ways. There’s nothing more powerful than sharing your story and your ideas for change. I’m a big Saints footy fan, I love travelling and can often be found singing and dancing around the house to the Bee Gees. “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans” – John Lennon
Amanda Scott Position: Community Facilitator About Amanda: Hey I’m Amanda and I am thrilled to be a part of the team at CREATE. I am very passionate about young people expressing themselves through creativity, speaking their truth and connecting with other young people along the way. I have worked closely with young people for the past 8 years, encouraging them to dare to dream, and learn about who they are. I am also an Art therapist and enjoy painting, photography, writing, dancing and travelling. I will be working on CREATE your future. Looking forward to meeting you, be sure to say hi at the next event! “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Nhyira, Okomfo Mena Kristie Togni Position: Community Facilitator About Kristie: Hey, I’m Kristie and I am the newest member of the CREATE team. I have been working with young people for the past 6 years and I have always been passionate about young people having a voice and being heard. My favourite thing to do at work is to run camps and outdoor activities. I guess you can say that I am a child at heart, and I’m sure you will all get to know that soon. When I’m not working, I love all sports, especially basketball, as well as the beach. One day I am going to learn to surf so look out for me on the pro tour. I will be running the young consultants and worker trainings. If you ever have any ideas about great things to do at CREATE then just come and talk to me, because your voice is what matters. Can’t wait to meet you all soon, so come and say hi to me at CREATE or at out next event. Hi I’m Rachel, the new Trainee Office Administrator. I have Just started working for CREATE. When you give our office a Call I’ll be the first person you speak to. In my spare time I love to read a good book. At the moment I’m re-reading The Harry Potter series. I enjoy music and going to gigs. My favourite band is A Day To Remember. I wanted to work for CREATE because it’s a fantastic organisation to work for. “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fall.” Confucius Charter of Rights for Children and Young People in Care The Charter of Rights sets out the rights of all children and young people in care in this state.  The Charter talks about what you can expect from people who look after you and work with you while you are in care. If you feel like your rights are not being met, you should talk to an adult you trust like your carer or caseworker, or call the numbers listed on the Charter of Rights. You could also try calling CREATE in your state on 1800 655 105 to talk about your options. Some useful links: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/577565/charter_for_children_in_out-of-home_care.pdf (Under 12 yrs) http://www.create.org.au/files/file/Getting%20It%20Right/PlanetRightBookweb.pdf (Over 12 yrs) http://www.create.org.au/files/file/Getting%20It%20Right/PlanetRightBookweb.pdf

Latest News

clubCREATE Magazine

Autumn 2012 edition is out now. To download a copy of the VIC State round-up click here!

September holidays left us with a massive BUZZ for all clubCREATE members!
From the Halloween bowling party, to competing in The Great Race in Morwell, running around with packs on for laser tag, getting creative with stencils and aerosol art on hats, and a hip hop dance class, we have been very busy! It was great to see young people practicing their public speaking while becoming brand new young consultants; we had a hilarious three days full of fun, food, and connecting with each other with crazy costumes. Not only have we been having heaps of fun, but also we have had many opportunities to improve the care system with focus groups, presentations and youth round tables. Well done to everyone who has been involved in getting the voice of children and young people out there and heard!

Youth Advisory Group (YAG)
In the last YAG, 10 of our young people including our young consultants, and one of our NYAC delegates got together to hang out. It was cool to check in with each other and make sure we are on track with our goals and to celebrate our 2011 achievements. We even got to talk to a researcher and give our opinion on the residential care system. Thank you for your passion and energy! YAG really has life, energy and a voice of its own! We are blown away by the dedication you have all shown to push yourself and take the steps you need to reach your goals. Let’s keep it going for 2012.
If you are 12-25 years and have a care experience, come and meet the crew, be yourself, and be part of something important. Amanda

Events + Activities

Victoria is the place to be in CREATE, we are always planning, scheming and coming up with new and interesting ways to Connect Empower and Change – YOU SHOULD BE PART OF IT ALL!

If you’re a clubCREATE member and are interested in coming along call us on 1800 655 105 or email the VIC crew at victoria@create.org.au. If you’re not a clubCREATE member, no worries, sign up on our clubCREATE page.

The Vic office is introducing a special enews bulletin for all clubCREATE members who have registered their emails addresses. Register your email address with us at victoria@create.org.au. that you are interested in learning more about this opportunity then give us a call, and we’d be very happy to make sure that you are included in all of our events.

ARTreach is being offered by CREATE and YWCA in partnership for the first time in 2012! CREATE Artreach is an arts based program for young women with an out-of-home care experience aged between 14-25 years. ARTreach is a not to be missed opportunity—empowering YOU while exploring yourself & what matters to you through mediums like film, photography, graffiti, painting and much more. Express yourself & your voice through art! Over the month of February 2012 we will work towards having your artwork exhibited, and celebrate YOU and your journey. ARTreach will run over 5 sessions in February 2012, contact Amanda on 03 9918 0002 or amanda.scott@create.org.au to apply. This is a free workshops series limited to 6 places.

CREATE Your Future Workshops
We have CREATE Your Future workshops running regularly across Victoria. If you are aged between 15-25 and have an experience in out-of-home care then this is for you. Gain the skills you need to become independent and achieve your goals for your future- everything from budgeting, to getting a job and stay tuned for our new workshops to come in 2011! To register, contact Amanda on 03 9918 0002 or email amanda.scott@create.org.au.

THE GREAT RACE: For 15-25yr olds who’ve been in care
A race around Melbourne, competing against the other teams for the grand prize, solving clues to find the services that can assist you. We will finish up testing out our skills in an awesome surprise celebration.

THE CAMP: For 15-17yr olds who are in care
This is a free workshop series for 15-17yr olds who are in care, all meals provided. To be eligible to come on the camp you must fill in the application and attend The Great Race on the 10th of January to meet your fellow contestants. The camp is a jam packed three days in Anglesea, where you will find out all you need to know about being independent. We will have plenty of fun in the sun, learn how to surf, test out our cooking skills, show off our talents in the Talent Taster, and compete for the CREATE Your Future Cup in Life Trivia. ONE TIME ONLY IN 2012! APPLICATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED! Worker volunteer opportunities available. Contact Amanda on 03 9918 0002 or email amanda.scott@create.org.au.

Carn the Kids
The amazing team at Lease Plan regularly gives us free football and soccer tickets throughout the year. Contact Loren on loren.polzot@create.org.au or call 03 9918 0002 or 1800 655 105 to reserve tickets. This always books out so get in quick!

Youth Advisory Group
The Youth Advisory Group is a program that brings young people together to discuss care issues and explore solutions. Youth Advisory groups are in each state and territory and provide feedback which activates change for the better. The Youth Advisory Group also tells CREATE how best to represent the opinions of children and young people in care. Come along for a day filled with fun, goals setting, discussions, food, drinks, and activities like horse riding, movies, sporting events, exhibitions, personal developments, outings and more! A great chance to hang out with other young people and connect with them and with us at CREATE! Get involved.

The next YAG Dates:
3rd March 2012
5th May 2012
2nd June 2012
7th July 2012

Young Consultants Training
To become a Young Consultant you need to undertake the Young Consultant’s Training (YCT) Course which is a fun training workshop. You can hang out with other young people, develop skills in presentation and public speaking and learn all about the Care system. Young Consultants training may lead to opportunities to do some occasional paid work with CREATE in through representation at conferences, consultations, forums and events and providing training support.

The next Young Consultants Training will be held on 11th -13th January 2011. If you think Young Consultants is for you, or you would like to learn more about what we do then please contact Kristie on 03 9918 0002 or email victoria@create.org.au.

About our Programs

clubCREATE
clubCREATE is a club for children and young people in care, or with a care experience. Members get a welcome pack, quarterly newsletters, invitations to events, and a birthday card each year. You can join clubCREATE by calling the VIC office on 03 9918 0002 or email clubCREATE@create.org.au and ask for a membership form. It is essential for all children and young people to be a member of clubCREATE before attending any of our programs or events.

Entering Care Kits
If you are entering care for the first time, CREATE will deck you out with a backpack of essential stuff to help you on your way. The kit includes CREATE program information, t-shirt, cap, wristband, newsletter and some other fun stuff. You need to join clubCREATE to be able to receive a kit just contact your VIC office on 03 9918 0002 or email clubCREATE@create.org.au.

CREATE Your Future Workshops
We have CREATE Your Future workshops running regularly across Victoria. If you are aged between 15-25 and have an experience in out-of-home care then this is for you. Gain the skills you need to become independent and achieve your goals for your future- everything from budgeting, to getting a job and stay tuned for our new workshops to come in 2011! To register, contact Amanda on 03 9918 0002 or email amanda.scott@create.org.au.

Pathways to Independence
On Saturday we have 8 young people aged 15-25 attend this workshop all about leaving care. We had guest speakers to help us explore our options in housing, centrelink, and how to budget and make the most out of our income. It was great to share our insights and experiences with the other young people and learn from each other. We also played some funny games where we could let loose and have some fun.

The Great Race
We will have a race around the town against the other teams to solve clues and find out information about different services you can access to help you become independent, and some random bonus clues along the way. We will finish with an activity and some lunch, and prizes to be won! Contact Amanda to register on 03 9918 0002 or email amanda.scott@create.org.au.

Think Outside the Square
We will explore our comfort zones, learning styles and thinking outside the square for when you become independent. Have some lunch, get to know each other and then try out our skills with a hip hop class! Contact Amanda to register on 03 9918 0002 or email amanda.scott@create.org.au.

Job Readiness
Are you strapped for cash? Are you thinking about getting a job? Come along to Job Readiness and try out some activities that will get you job ready. We will cover everything from what to wear to an interview, practice questions, resume writing, cover letters and references; we will have lunch and some fun in between. Contact Amanda to register.

Carn the Kids
The amazing team at Lease Plan regularly gives us free football and soccer tickets throughout the year. If you would like to receive updates for this great opportunity sign up to our e-news by emailing us at victoria@create.org.au. Take this opportunity to receive free tickets and have an awesome day out at a major sporting event, so you can cheer on your favourite team!

Youth Advisory Group
The Youth Advisory Group is a program that brings young people together to discuss care issues and explore solutions. Youth Advisory groups are in each state and territory and provide feedback which activates change for the better. The Youth Advisory Group also tells CREATE how best to represent the opinions of children and young people in care.

Come along for a day filled with fun, goals setting, discussions, food, drinks, and activities like horse riding, movies, sporting events, exhibitions, personal developments, outings and more! A great chance to hang out with other young people and connect with them and with us at CREATE! Get involved.

Young Consultants
Are you a young person who is in care, or has left care? Do you want to be a part of a group of young people who have been in care and want to change the system in the future? Are you aged 14 or older? Then Young Consultants is for you! Young Consultants are young people aged 14 and over who have had a care experience. They work alongside CREATE to share with others in the community what it is like to be in care. Young Consultants go to conferences, consultations, forums and events to represent CREATE and young people in care. To become a young consultant you need to complete Young Consultants Training.

Young Consultants also get a few perks. They can participate in connection activities like trips to the movies and professional development courses including things like Senior First Aid, interview skills, budgeting and building a resume all of which Young Consultants can access for free.

Young Consultants Training
To become a Young Consultant you need to undertake the Young Consultant’s Training (YCT) Course which is a fun training workshop. You can hang out with other young people, develop skills in presentation and public speaking and learn all about the Care system. Young Consultants training may lead to opportunities to do some occasional paid work with CREATE in through representation at conferences, consultations, forums and events and providing training support.

If you think Young Consultants is for you or you would like to learn more about what we do then, please contact Kristie on 03 9918 0002 or email victoria@create.org.au.

Case/ Child Protection Worker and CSO Training

This is an opportunity for Young Consultants to affect positive change within the care sector. A CREATE staff member and up to three Young Consultants deliver a training session to case or child protection workers who work directly with children and young people in out-of-home care.

CREATE Your Future website | www.createyourfuture.org.au

This website is designed to assist young people who are leaving care. It has heaps of information on topics like health, housing, education, employment and more. You can also read stories about other peoples’ experiences of leaving care.