CHILDREN IN STATE CARE

Mrs GERAGHTY (Torrens) (15:29): Will the Minister for Families and Communities inform the house about positive initiatives aimed at building the self-esteem and participation of children under the guardianship of the minister?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Northern Suburbs, Minister for Housing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability) (15:29): This government is committed to improving the lives of children and young people who come into care and providing them with positive experiences that will help them grow and learn, build their self-esteem and ensure they are able to participate in community activities.

Last week I attended two events, both of which are helping to open doors of opportunity for children in care and providing an avenue in which they can explore the full extent of their creativity and talents. Last Tuesday I was honoured to open the Odd One Out art exhibition presented by Life Without Barriers at the Bliss Organic Cafe. Life Without Barriers is one of our important partners in caring for children who have suffered significant trauma. The theme of the exhibition, Odd One Out, is synonymous with the feelings and emotions experienced by most young people as they make their way through their adolescent years but, in particular, it can be a difficult time for children who come into care. The title was suggested by one of these young people. She said it is how she feels at times.

By helping young people explore their emotions through a piece of art and then putting that work on display, these young people are helped to subtly break down barriers and ignorance about their experiences. It is a tangible way in which they can develop an understanding of what young people in care are really feeling. For many of the artists the exhibition was the first time they had displayed their art works and received public acknowledgment for their efforts. It takes an enormous amount of courage to put their work on display. I met many of the young artists, and it was pleasing to hear them describe their pieces with enthusiasm, some telling me they have discovered they have an artistic flair they simply did not know they possessed. Until now, they had never been given the tools or support to try. It was incredibly rewarding to see the creativity and talents of these young people being encouraged.

This is the second year that Life Without Barriers has exhibited works by guardianship children and young people, produced under the guidance of art therapist and photographer Danielle Madsen. There is no doubt her commitment and dedication to these young people has been the catalyst for their involvement and the success of the artists.

Port Augusta was the venue for the second annual sports carnival for young people under guardianship. There has always been strong sporting rivalry between the Spencer Gulf cities, and last Thursday was no exception, as teams from Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Pirie battled it out on the grounds of the Stirling North Primary School. Joining me was South Australia's Ambassador for Youth Opportunity and former AFL star, Gavin Wanganeen.

Around 100 young people participated in a range of events catering for tiny tots through to teenagers. It was quite a sight to see five year olds facing the challenge of the long jump, and the teenage girls well and truly out shot me at the shot put. It was a great opportunity again for the young people, foster and kinship carers and Families SA staff to get together and share their experiences. It was great to see the children so bright and enthusiastic, ready for a day of friendly rivalry.

I especially thank the staff of Families SA Whyalla and Port Augusta, who were there en masse; agencies such as UnitingCare Wesley Port Pirie, Aboriginal Family Support Services, Centacare, CREATE and, I think, St Johns were there; and the Lions Club of Port Augusta did a magnificent job in preparing a barbecue lunch. It was a mammoth task and went like clockwork. I also thank the staff and volunteers, as I mentioned previously, of the Life Without Barriers program. They do a great job and I do not think we can honour them enough for what they do in understanding very well the challenges of caring for guardianship children and the effort needed to turn around these young lives.

Our government knows the importance of providing opportunities for children in care that will foster their talent and create positive experiences. I know many of the young people are benefiting from the initiatives and improving their life skills and educational opportunities, as well as building their self-esteem, which is going to have a lasting impact on their lives for generations to come.