Gerry CREATES a brighter future for kids in care

CREATE Foundation advocate Gerry Norris (left) and community facilitator Mike Stuer help give young people in care an independent voice.

Not many organisations have teenage "consultants" on their team.

One that does is the CREATE Foundation, the voice of Queensland's children and young people in care for the past 18 years.

The Sunshine Coast's Gerry Norris has been a passionate part of CREATE since he joined the organisation as one of those "young consultants" in 2004.

Now 19, Gerry, a young person with experience in the child protection system, feels the opportunities that CREATE presented to him over the years will help him fulfil his goal of becoming a child safety officer. 

"CREATE is a great organisation as everyone there knows what you are going through," Gerry says.

"Through the foundation I have learnt so many new skills that have helped build my confidence so I feel like my voice can be heard and I can make a difference for other children out there."

Established in 1993, CREATE receives more than $578,000 a year from the Queensland Government to connect and empower children and young people in care and improve the care system through activities, programs, training and policy advice.

In 2004, Gerry trained as a "young consultant" and he encourages others to do the same.

"Becoming a young consultant has given me the confidence to believe that I can make a difference for other kids and young people in care," he says.

"It is also a great way to improve your leadership and public speaking skills, as well as providing an opportunity to meet other kids who are in the same situation as yourself."

Gerry eventually wants to become a child safety officer and urges any children or young people in care to join CREATE.

"If you want the chance to have a say, hit up CREATE and get your voice heard," he says. "Together we can all help to change the system for future children in care."

CREATE's community facilitator Mike Stuer says CREATE values the contribution of young people like Gerry.

"It's great to have Gerry as part of the organisation as the kids are the voice of young people in care – they know first hand what is happening," says Mike.

"They are experts about their lives in care and they provide not only information about their experiences but also thoughtful proposals on how the system can be improved."

For more information, go to CREATE's website or call 3255 3145 or 1800 655 105.