In May, Melbourne was buzzing with passion and powerful conversations as sector leaders, young people, and advocates from around the country gathered for the annual Home Stretch Symposium, hosted by Anglicare and the Home Stretch campaign, with CREATE Foundation invited as a vital advocacy partner to ensure that child voice and lived experience at the centre of the conference and conversation.
Over two days, the Symposium created a space to reflect on the progress of care reform, spotlight lived experience, and commit to the work still ahead.
From the MCs Dylan and Jasmine, to the CREATE Young Consultants Panel, CEO presentation and plenary wrap up – to the CREATE stall in the foyer hosted by the Victorian CREATE team and packed with resources and activated conversations – the courage and advocacy of children and young people in care was celebrated and acknowledged at every stage of the event.
Our very own CEO, Imogen Edeson’s presentation reminded the sector of the importance of deeply listening to young people and acting on what they say. Imogen also took part in a panel on Next Steps for Care Leaver Reform in Australia, sharing CREATE’s ongoing advocacy and highlighting the challenges and opportunities ahead.
National Implementation Adviser for Care Leavers, Mark Riddell speaks on a panel next to CREATE’s CEO, Imogen
CREATE Young Consultants did us proud!
Two Northern Territory Young Consultants, Schyler and Timothy, participated in a powerful panel titled Support for Leaving Care – What’s Missing?, sharing their experiences and suggestions for improving the system.
In the Thriving, Not Just Surviving panel, CREATE Young Consultant’s, Nada and Shaini from Victoria, Cheyenne from WA, and Elysay from QLD, spoke courageously about their journeys and what genuine support looks like beyond 18.
Their voices resonated strongly, calling on the sector to shift from simply supporting survival to championing growth, healing, and success.
CREATE Young Consultants connecting with international experts and strategising for the next phase of advocacy in Australia
Powerful lived experiences of family violence and out-of-home care were also shared by international experts – and the changes they have made in their countries to benefit all children in care. Mark Riddell’s role being the voice of lived experience to government was particularly inspiring. And Louise Roberts’ Charter for Young Parent’s leaving care struck a chord for the parents in the room.
NEABY member, Cheyenne reflected these approaches back to the National Experience to Action Board (Youth) at the May meeting as part of planning for the forward federal strategy for change.
- L-R: CREATE Foundation’s National Advocacy Director, Jen Hyatt is pictured with Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre, Cardiff University’s Louise Robert and National Implementation Adviser for Care Leavers, Mark Riddell.
- L-R: CREATE Foundation’s CEO, Imogen Edeson is pictured clapping at a podium where WA Young Consultant and NEABY member, Cheyenne addresses the audience.
Professor Pat McGorry highlighted the role of lived experience experts and young people in his work
A beautiful moment at the Symposium was when Professor McGorry, and Dylan exchanged memories of early research participation and child and youth-led advocacy in the mental health and wellbeing space. Professor McGorry presented international evidence and the next phase of mental health reform and action needed in Australia to address the demand for developmentally appropriate care. It was fantastic that our CEO was able to meet Professor McGorry – and connect around how CREATE can partner with Orygen on the rollout of mental health services and models for prioritising children and young people in care.
Visual story-board from Prof. Pat McGorry AO’s session at the Home Stretch Symposium. www.debbiewood.com.au
CREATE x Home Stretch Youth Advocacy Award
One of the standout moments of the Symposium was the presentation of the inaugural CREATE x Home Stretch Youth Advocacy Award, which went to WA Young Consultant, Kat Martawan.
Kat was nominated multiple times for her leadership as the Home Stretch WA Community of Practice – Lived Experience Consultant Team Lead, where she has ensured that the voices of young people are embedded in every step of WA’s extended care journey, from design through to delivery and reform.
CREATE congratulates Kat on this well-earned recognition and extends a huge thank you to all the nominees for the 2025 Youth Advocacy Award. The calibre of youth advocates across the country is truly inspiring.
The 2025 Home Stretch Symposium wasn’t just about listening – it was about learning, acting, and celebrating. With young people like Kat, Schyler, Nada, Shaini, Cheyenne, Timothy, and Elysay sharing their insights for change, the future of care reform is in capable, courageous hands.
CREATE is so proud to walk alongside these advocates, amplifying their voices and championing change.
Immediate actions and continued momentum for better transitions
CREATE Young Consultants continue to be at the forefront of changing the expectations, ambition and options for young people leaving care. Within moments of the Symposium, steps have started to establish a Home Stretch Working Group in SA, following on the NT model and focus, and the Tasmanian government has included additional Transition Supports in its state budget.
Stay tuned for all of the advocacy and continued work in this space.
Check out the visual story-boards from each session below.
