Lachlann Carter

Lachlann Carter is a visionary leader with a deep commitment to creativity as a foundational tool for decision-making, collaboration, and social impact. With over 15 years of experience at the intersection of education, community development, social enterprise, and the arts, Lachlann has built a reputation as a passionate advocate for youth voice and inclusive creative ecosystems.

He is the co-founder and former CEO of 100 Story Building, a Melbourne-based not-for-profit organisation dedicated to developing creativity and literacy in children and young people, particularly those from marginalised communities. Under his decade-long leadership, the organisation grew from an idea into a nationally recognised force in youth arts and education, delivering programs in partnership with schools, government, cultural institutions, and creative industries.

Lachlann is the author of the BIG TROUBLE junior fiction series (Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing), with art by the New York Times bestselling illustrator Douglas Holgate. The first book in the series, Big Trouble with Angry Chairs, was selected as one of The Age’s ‘Top Picks of 2024’ and described as ‘sublime and ridiculous.’

A former primary school teacher and highly sought-after facilitator, Lachlann has delivered over 1,000 creative writing workshops for children and hundreds of professional learning programs for teachers across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the USA, the UK, and the Netherlands.

However, his dedication to fostering creativity extends beyond the classroom. He is an accomplished creative leader and producer, and a frequent collaborator on intergenerational creative projects that support the development of emerging storytellers and community leaders. His work is grounded in grassroots engagement, having worked directly with thousands of young people and families in community settings, always with a focus on equity, empowerment, and joy.

A recognised social enterprise leader, Lachlann was a co-founder and founding board member of SENVIC (Social Enterprise Network Victoria), where he played a central role in supporting the development of the state’s social enterprise sector. His governance experience also includes board leadership across several emerging and established not-for-profit organisations, where he brings strategic insight, creativity, and a strong commitment to sector development.

Lachlann works with schools, government bodies, philanthropic organisations, businesses, and cultural institutions to embed youth voice in policy and decision-making. He believes that systemic change is only possible when young people are active participants in shaping their world.

Now based in Gimuy/Cairns, he is developing a creative learning initiative for children and young people in Far North Queensland, while continuing to work across the country to promote creative learning and equity in education.