Stellar News 

March 2026 

Strong Start to 2026 For Stars

Message from Founder and CEO, Andrea Goddard

Despite ongoing global uncertainty, Stars Foundation remains firmly focused on empowering students, families and local communities. We hope the year ahead brings many smiles like those above from Stars students in far north Queensland at Western Cape College in Weipa at the start of this school year.

We have made a strong start to 2026, welcoming record enrolments of more than 4,300 Stars students from Years 3 to Year 12 across Australia. This milestone is a wonderful reflection on the commitment and hard work of Stars Mentors and the growing positive word of mouth amongst First Nations communities.

We’re also delighted to welcome new students and communities as Semester One marks the opening of five additional Stars Programs in Fitzroy Crossing, Merredin and Ballajura in Western Australia, and Salisbury and Murray Bridge in South Australia.

In 2025, we saw powerful outcomes that reflect both the determination of First Nations young women and the strength of the Stars model.  Ninety percent of Year 12 senior students successfully completed their final year - well above the national Indigenous average of 68%. School attendance remained a key driver, with Stars students achieving an average attendance rate of 78%, 11% higher than our partner schools’ ‘All-Indigenous’ attendance rate (67%) and equal to our partner school’s ‘All-student’ average (78%).  

Stars’ focus on life beyond school is making a real difference, with 78% of 2024 Graduates successfully transitioned to work or further study in November 2025.  More than 1,300 Stars Alumnae are forging their own paths and leading by example - demonstrating strength, leadership and determination for the next generation. Thank you for supporting this important work.

Celebrating Terrific 2025 Results and New Programs

Stars Foundation has begun 2026 with strong momentum following a successful 2025 that delivered high Year 12 completion rates, improved attendance, and strong post-school pathways. With continued program expansion, a predominantly Indigenous and program-focused workforce, and powerful feedback from students and communities, Stars is demonstrating meaningful impact in improving education outcomes and creating opportunities for First Nations young women

Yr 7 and Yr 12 Students Embrace Stars' Inductions

Stars Foundation hosts inductions across the country for Year 7 students commencing high school and for Year 12 students starting their final year, which helps the young women kickstart the year with positivity and purpose.

Year 12 Stars students from Gunnedah, Tamworth and Inverell High Schools in Northern NSW (pictured above) gathered for two days for connection, learning and future planning. The young women got to know the wonderful team at the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre and explored future study pathways, enjoyed a powerful yarning session, and spent time building friendships and confidence. A highlight of the induction was writing ‘A Letter to My Future Self’, reflecting on their goals, strengths and hopes for life after school.

NT Stars Programs from Darwin, Humpty Doo and Palmerston (pictured above) came together for a Year 7 induction that introduced girls from Dripstone and Nightcliff Middle Schools, Haileybury Rendall School, Driver Secondary School, Rosebery College and Taminmin College. Students and Mentors explored the Stars values - Respect, Honesty, Commitment and Pride - and how they can be applied to everyday life. The day wrapped up with lunch and indoor bowling, giving everyone a chance to strengthen friendships and have fun together.

Year 12 Stars from Ballajura, Ellenbrook, Girrawheen and Yanchep in WA gathered for a meaningful day together focused on leadership, expectations, pathways and post-school options. Students took part in team-building activities, heard from inspirational guest speakers, and finished the day with ‘The Next Generation’ flower crown activity to celebrate their journey as future leaders.

Tennant Creek Stars Debut In Music Video

Click the image above to play an educational music video calling for a smoke-free future, prepared by Stars students from Tennant Creek High School in collaboration with with the Public Health team at Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation in NT. Stars students worked through all facets of film production ranging from songwriting to scripting, performing, filming, editing and interviewing and the result is both catchy and memorable and has even led to feedback on YouTube including “this is deadly you mob!”

Stars Celebrate International Women’s Day

Stars students from Ocean View College in SA (pictured above left) enjoyed celebrating International Women’s Day by coming together for a special lunch. It was a special day of connection with students and school staff sharing stories and supporting one another. Two Year 10 Stars from Kalgoorlie in WA (pictured above right) also attended an International Women’s Day Luncheon with a group of inspiring women including WAFL players. They engaged in meaningful discussions around closing the gap and women in the mining industry.

Let’s ‘Give to Gain’ on International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, Stars Foundation proudly embraced the 2026 theme, ‘Give to Gain.’ It reflects what we see every day - when people give their time, knowledge and support, opportunities expand. Investing in the advancement of women and girls creates lasting impact, strengthening families, communities and future generations of leaders.

Thank You for Your Support

Stars Foundation relies on the understanding and support of generous partners and donors who wish to join us in making a difference for First Nations girls and young women. Many thanks to our new and continuing partners and donors. All your support is incredibly important in making sure the future is in our Stars!\

New Partners

• Kmart Group
• Pilbara Ports
• Elizabeth Scahill Benevolent Fund.

Continued Partnerships

• Hand, Heart, Pocket
• Ampol Australia
• Woodside Energy
• INPEX-led Ichthys Joint Venture
• Downer Group
• AGL Energy
• Santos
• Kakadu West Arnhem Social Trust (KWAST)
• Ansell Australia
• Social Justice Fund.

Support Our Stars