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. Stellar News June 2026
Celebrating Stars Alumnae Achievements Over 10 Years Message from Founder and CEO, Andrea Goddard In Term 2, 2026 Stars Foundation is proudly mentoring more than 4,000 students across Australia, and this good news story is best showcased in our recent 10th Anniversary edition of the 2025 Annual Report. One of the most inspiring features of this special edition is a collection of 10 stories from Stars Alumnae representing each year since Stars began in 2015. These remarkable young women share their journeys from school to adulthood, pursuing dreams as diverse as veterinary science, business, community leadership and motherhood. Their stories are a powerful reminder of what is possible when young women are supported to believe in themselves and their future. Stars Alumnae are part of a growing network of more than 1,300 former Stars Graduates who are pursuing further education, building careers, raising families, and stepping into leadership roles within their communities. Their stories remind us that the impact of Stars continues long after graduation. The Report also features the critical metrics that reflect the impact of the work of Stars Foundation and celebrates Stars students and all the wonderful partners in community, schools, government, business and philanthropy that make this effort possible. Together we’re united in successfully creating powerful pathways for the next generation of First Nations young women, and in turn for their families and communities across Australia.
2025 Annual Report 10 Year Anniversary Edition Stars Foundation’s 2025 Annual Report is a celebration of thousands of First Nations young women during the last decade. It features the stories, milestones and outcomes that best capture the growth and impact of the organisation.
Stars Students Elected to Record Number of School Leadership Roles Across Australia Stars Foundation is celebrating a record number of students elected to school leadership positions in 2026, including School Captains, Vice Captains and House Captains. Across Australia, Stars students are stepping into influential roles, leading by example and inspiring their peers through leadership, resilience and community spirit. Their achievements reflect the growing impact of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who are using their voices to create positive change and strengthen their school communities.
Kimberley National Reconciliation Week Camp in WA Stars Mentors from Broome Senior High School and Fitzroy Valley District High School in WA hosted a memorable Kimberley National Reconciliation Week camp in Derby and Fitzroy Crossing. The camp was filled with meaningful experiences, including an exciting basketball carnival and powerful yarning sessions at Winjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, where students deepened their understanding of Country, culture and local history. Participants also visited the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, where they gained valuable insights into the region’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. The camp fostered a deeper sense of belonging, leaving everyone with a greater appreciation for community, culture and the importance of reconciliation.
Mildura Stars Embrace RMIT Uni and Melbourne in VIC Year 10 Stars from Chaffey Secondary College in Mildura, Victoria, recently embarked on an unforgettable week in Melbourne through RMIT University's ‘I Belong’ program. The students experienced university life firsthand, taking part in a diverse range of workshops across STEM, robotics, VR construction, medical radiations, nursing, laboratory medicine, osteopathy, law, engineering and fashion. They also explored student accommodation and visited the Ngarara Willim Centre, gaining valuable insight into the support services available to Indigenous students throughout their university journey. To top off an incredible week, the group attended The Long Walk festival and the AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round Dreamtime game at the MCG, which celebrated culture and community.
Junior Carnival Exceeds Expectations in Southern NSW Years 7-9 Stars from four Stars Programs at James Fallon High School, Moruya High School, Narrandera High School and Tumut High School gathered for some fierce and fun sporting competition. The young women thoroughly enjoyed two days of activities ranging from football and basketball competitions to setting up swags, creative Met Gala-inspired icebreakers and campfire yarns. The Carnival created opportunities for students to step outside their comfort zones, try new things and build new friendships across the region. It was terrific to see a wide range of sports experience with new players giving it a go and often thriving, while more experienced players encouraged and supported those around them every step of the way. Mandaang guwu (thank you) and congratulations to the team at Narrandera High School for hosting their very first Carnival, while also making the grand final in football and basketball. It was a memorable and positive experience for everyone in attendance.
7News Features Townsville Stars at Animal Shelter in QLD 7News Townsville recently featured a feel-good story about Stars students from Thuringowa State High School volunteering at the Townsville Animal Care and Adoption Centre where they cared for some local furry friends.
Stars Shine at Cultural and Leadership Camp in Jabiru, NT Years 7, 8 and 10 Stars students from Sanderson High School in Darwin recently travelled to Jabiru for a powerful Stars Cultural and Leadership Camp, designed to strengthen confidence, connection and leadership. Highlights of the trip also included a visits to Bark Hut Inn, Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, Ubirr Rock Art, Nawurlandja Lookout at Nourlangie, Warrandjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and swimming at Cooinda Lodge. During the camp, the young women learned from Elders, community members and Mentors, who generously shared cultural knowledge, stories and lived experiences. These moments created meaningful opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of culture and traditions. The camp encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, build new friendships and develop skills they can carry with them at school, at home and in community.
Taleah Wins ‘Rec in the West’ Poster Competition in SA Year 11 Stars student, Taleah, from Ocean View College in SA is the winner of the 2026 ‘Reconciliation in the West’ event poster competition, and her artwork beautifully captures the National Reconciliation Week 2026 theme, ‘All In’. The centre of Taleah's canvas shows Australia, surrounded by meeting places representing different communities and the connections shared across Country. Earth tones reflect the land, and white dots symbolise Elders and Ancestors watching over and guiding, while animal tracks and flowing blue tones represent totems, water, shared spaces and connection. For Teleah, art is also a powerful form of self-expression and is a way to tell her story, stay connected to culture, and express ideas in her own way.
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
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