Stellar News 

September 2026 

Creating Pathways for a Strong Future

Message from Founder and CEO, Andrea Goddard 

As the final school term for 2026 fast approaches, there is strong enthusiasm and momentum across Stars Foundation. This sentiment is captured beautifully in the image above featuring Kalgoorlie Mentor, Latoya (left), and Stars students from Perth and Kalgoorlie at the Goldfields Camp in Western Australia.

Our six newest Programs are progressing well, and we are delighted to have recently extended our reach to Bourke High School in New South Wales, creating opportunities for a total of 4,300+ First Nations girls and young women across Australia.

During Term 3, there has been a strong focus on education, employment, and preparing students for life beyond the school gates. At our recent Perth Futures Forum, I was reminded of the strength of our team and partnerships and, most importantly, how ready our Stars students are to embrace the opportunities ahead. Senior students are also excitedly preparing with Mentors for their end-of-year interstate trip to celebrate their school graduation and achievements in the coming weeks!

Stars’ Futures Forums Open Doors to Opportunity

Hundreds of senior Stars students across Australia recently connected with employers, industry leaders and community organisations through five Stars Futures Forums in Perth, Darwin, Adelaide, Townsville and Geraldton. Designed to build confidence and broaden horizons beyond school, the Forums gave students the opportunity to explore education, training and employment pathways across many local industries.

The photo above (left) captures the opening of the Perth Futures Forum. Our heartfelt thanks to our partners and exhibitors who gave their time, energy and wisdom to make these events so meaningful for Stars students. The photo above (right) shows Darwin Stars Alumnae who returned to the Stars Futures Forum alongside their employers. It was very special to have former Stars students returning to the program as professionals and inspiring the next generation of Stars.

Alumnae Thriving at Work with Stars Partners

As Stars Foundation grows, so too does the number of Alumnae and Graduates building rewarding careers with Stars partners across Australia.

These partnerships extend far beyond financial support, opening doors to employment, career development and exciting futures for talented First Nations young women, while connecting employers with skilled, motivated employees – a powerful example of partnership coming full circle.

Celebrations of Culture during NAIDOC Week

The majority of Stars’ 80+ Programs celebrated NAIDOC Week with their school communities, giving Stars students an opportunity to proudly share history and the culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The image above is a snapshot of Stars students from Aveley Secondary College in WA who confidently showcased the knowledge and cultural dance skills they developed during a recent Corroboree for Life Cultural Dance Workshop.

Making Women’s Health a Priority

More than 35 Stars Programs registered with Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week to join Australia's largest national campaign dedicated to the health and wellbeing of women and girls. This dedicated week encourages Stars Mentors to tailor learning opportunities on health issues they believe are most important for First Nations young women.

Stars students from Chaffey Secondary College in Mildura, Victoria, (pictured above) hosted a special lunch and created a meaningful space to connect and yarn about the importance of women’s health and wellbeing together.

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 and Donors

• Freemantle Ports
• W2 Mewn Rhannu Foundation

Continued Partnerships

• Wright Prospecting
• Chevron
• APA Group
• Brian & Virginia McNamee Foundation
• Boeing
• BCF
• Synergy
• Essential Energy
• Orford Foundation
• John Laing Group 
• John Laing Charitable Trust
• Philip Christensen & Jacqueline Brown
• Perry Family Foundation
• Sundberg Family Foundation
• Dale Family Foundation 
• Cary James and Anne Witheford Foundation.

Support Our Stars