After 17 years of tireless work and dedicated leadership at CREATE Foundation, our valued Chief Executive Officer, Jacqui Reed, will be stepping down due to health reasons.
Jacqui’s tenure has been defined by her passionate advocacy for children and young people in out-of-home care. She has been a committed advocate for young people, and her leadership has transformed CREATE into a leading voice for young people with a care experience, ensuring their needs and rights are prioritised in policy decisions. Jacqui has been a cornerstone of CREATE, and her vision ensured that the voices of children and young people were heard at the highest levels, influencing policy changes and securing increased supports.
Jacqui has dedicated over 30 years to promoting the rights and wellbeing of children and young people in the human services industry. She has been actively involved in national and state initiatives, and facilitated global collaborations to enhance understanding of the needs of children and young people. Her commitment to advocacy has been pivotal in improving the lives of disadvantaged children, and she has played a significant role in ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes. Jacqui’s work at CREATE has included elevating the voices of children to the UN, influencing policy changes, and securing increased support for young care leavers through her Churchill Fellowship research.
As CEO of CREATE Foundation since 2007, Jacqui’s efforts have significantly increased CREATE’s capacity, allowing us to expand our programs and reach, and positively impacting the lives of those we serve, amplifying their voices at every level. Her vision and dedication have led to significant improvements in the out-of-home care system, including the extension of support for young care leavers to age 21. Her work with national and international bodies has elevated CREATE’s profile and influence, effecting positive changes within the system. Jacqui’s tenure at CREATE has been marked by innovative programs and initiatives that have held decision-makers accountable and ensured that the needs and views of children and young people are prioritised. Her involvement in various boards and working groups, along with her research and advocacy efforts, has driven meaningful change across the sector.
Jacqui will be stepping down effective 1st July 2024. As CREATE actions a recruitment strategy our focus will be business continuity, ensuring that we continue to deliver important programs and advocacy for children and young people, and we will keep you informed of progress.
Jacqui’s positive impact on CREATE Foundation and the lives of children and young people in out-of-home care has been truly profound. She has been a formidable advocate and a strong leader over many years and she is leaving behind a significant legacy for CREATE to build upon. We extend our deepest thanks to Jacqui for her unwavering commitment and incredible contributions. Her legacy of compassion and advocacy will inspire us as we continue to champion the rights of young people, and will continue to guide us as we move forward, building on the strong foundation she has established. Jacqui offers her deepest gratitude to all the children and young people she has had the pleasure in serving. Please join us in thanking Jacqui for her remarkable service and wishing her well.
