We are celebrating our first anniversary! And yet in many ways it feels like years since we launched Creativity Australia. So much has happened, all those meetings and late nights…but the outcomes have been very exciting and inspiring so far.

Since our launch in November 2008, Creativity Australia has gone from strength to strength in its mission to bring creativity and creative leadership programs to the people of Australia. By bringing creative thinking and leadership into their organisations, employers can increase wellbeing, productivity, engagement, meaning, leadership, connection and innovation, all of which are more important than ever in this troubled economic environment. Creativity Australia is also developing a number of innovative programs bridging social capital between disadvantaged people and communities and businesses and government.

We could not have achieved any of this without the incredible support of our Board members, Patrons, Ambassadors, Thought Leaders, Creativity Partners, in-kind supporters and generous sponsors and donors. We salute each and every one of you.

I am very fortunate in being asked to present keynote presentations on the subject of leadership in Creativity, Innovation and Wellbeing for a range of forums. This helps to spread our important message and we encourage all of you to advocate for creative thinking in whatever sector you may work in. We must never forget that we are all innately creative beings.

Meantime, if you want to unlock more of the potential of the right side of your brain and get involved, I hope you will consider becoming involved in our programs in one way or another. We have developed a range of leadership programs to develop performance cultures in organizations. These programs are called 'Inspiring Minds', part of our Creative Universe organization www.creativeuniverse.com.au

A percentage of all bookings of 'Inspiring Minds' programs will be donated to Creativity Australia to enable disadvantaged people to access our programs.

Creativity is the key strategic tool of the 21st century.

Australia is a highly successful and prosperous nation. However, we have ridden on our luck, especially in relying on our natural resources to get us through. But in the 21st century being the lucky country isn’t enough. We have to work on nurturing our talent and inventiveness – in short, our creativity.

Creativity is the key to our nation’s and our world’s future. We need to unlock every creative gene in whomever it may reside to solve the problems besetting our world.

Tania de Jong AM