In late July the Creating Chances community gathered at KPMG Parramatta for our Annual Celebration. It was an event defined by reflection and recognition, and, most importantly, a shared vision: empowering young people through sport, leadership, and employment pathways to ensure they are ready to contribute positively to society. The evening is a vital platform to showcase our impact, highlight our strategic vision, and build the trust and connection required to do our important work.
Joe Tau and the Pacific Waves team provided a welcome, before we launched into a powerful acknowledgment of our progress, featuring a comprehensive Year in Review from our Chairman, Justin Scheinberg. We were deeply moved by the testimonial from Cooper Jeal, whose personal journey as a Creating Chances facilitator and former SBAT highlights the transformative power of our programs. Furthermore, Dr. Sally Nathan’s presentation of our 2026 Impact Report underscored the effectiveness of our evidence-based Youth Development Pathways.
The centerpiece of the celebration was our panel discussion, “The Power of Partnerships: Creating Opportunities for Young People.” Moderated by Creating Chances’ Head of School Strategy Mark Busby, the panel featured an insightful dialogue between our CEO, Brad McCarroll, current SBAT trainee Jayla Te Atua, One Playground’s CEO Justin Ashley, and WSMRC CEO Dor Akech Achiek. The conversation highlighted that meaningful change does not happen in isolation. It occurs when organizations, communities, and individuals come together with a shared commitment to supporting the next generation. By exploring how collaboration builds confidence, creates pathways, and provides opportunities, the panelists illuminated the “why” behind everything we do.
It was truly humbling to look around the room and see such a dedicated group of supporters who make this work possible. From our gracious hosts at KPMG, to our long-standing partners in the education and community sectors, the room represented a unified front for youth development. We were honoured to welcome representatives from SydWest, Accounting for Good, the NSW Department of Education, Democracy Matters, and Multicultural NSW. Their commitment to our vision, alongside the vital support from the Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Western Sydney University, Gilbert + Tobin, CMRC, and the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre (WSMRC), reminds us that the success of these programs is a collective achievement.
As the evening concluded, the sense of optimism was palpable. We left the celebration feeling energised by the connections made and the collective resolve to continue creating opportunities for the young people we serve. Whether through employment pathways, school-based traineeships, or community support, every partner in that room plays a critical role in equipping the next generation with the tools to find their voice and reach their potential.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this milestone evening. We are already looking forward to the progress we will achieve together in the year ahead.
