Stellar News
April 2024
2024 Starts with Strong Results and 10 New Programs
Message from Founder and CEO, Andrea Goddard
As Stars completes Term 1 of the new school year, we are proudly supporting 3,400+ First Nations girls and young women in 57 partner schools across Australia. The picture above captures the smiles and spirit of Stars students and Mentors who recently participated in the Perth Year 12 induction. Feedback from our Mentors in programs is consistent that students Australia wide are wholeheartedly embracing Stars and the opportunities offered.
This semester marks significant growth with the opening of ten new programs in Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, and Victoria. Demand continues to grow with enquiries coming from schools and community partners across Australia, who wish to see First Nations young women receive comparable support to boys.
Stars Foundation is also proud to report terrific 2023 school year results which are testament to the consistent and great work of Stars’ First Nations students and Mentors throughout the year. We congratulate our Year 12 Stars students who successfully completed their final year (92% completion rate).
Finally, we collectively congratulate Stars Chair, Donisha Duff OAM, who was recently awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her contribution to community, which includes a Board role since Stars was established in 2015, and more recently being our wonderful Chair.
The shared purpose of Stars’ Board and staff, combined with the commitment from valued partners ensures the education and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island girls and young women across Australia. Thank you to everyone who contributes and enjoy the insights below.
Demand for Stars Programs is Growing Across Australia
The Stars Foundation is proud to be starting 10 new programs in the first Semester of 2024. Stars Founder and CEO, Andrea Goddard, and Queensland Regional Manager, Sue Douglas, recently spent time getting to know staff and students from Western Cape College in Weipa, Queensland, who welcome the opening of the Stars program.
Queensland Stars Shine Bright With Start of Uni
Three Stars Graduates from Townsville, Codie-Leigh, Serengeti and Jayna, have recently proudly joined James Cook University and it is wonderful that they are all thoroughly enjoying this next phase of life.
New South Wales Stars in Tumut Celebrate Opening
In 2023 Stars opened it first four programs in NSW and recently joined the Tumut community and Snowy Hydro for a powerful opening ceremony.
70 Stars Meet Partners at Futures Forum in Perth
In March, Stars gathered students, Mentors and partners for the West Australian Futures Forum which was kindly hosted by The University of Notre Dame Australia.
Stars students from Perth, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, and Geraldton rotated in small groups to meet various partners and providers to learn about employment pathways and further study opportunities. Our Stars shared their interests and asked many questions, and this experience has sparked many ideas for future possibilities.
Many thanks to the following supportive partners and friends for their participation in this event. This includes the Australian Defence Force, BAE Systems, Chevron, Clough Group, Fulton Hogan, IYMP Project, Maxima Group, North Metro TAFE, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Santos, St John of God Hospital, South Metro TAFE, Sodexo, Synergy and Woolworths.
Northern Territory Stars Lead Women's Day Celebrations
While Stars across Australia celebrated International Women’s Day, the young women in the Northern Territory certainly seized the opportunity. Stars' Mentors gathered students and school and community members to enjoy a celebratory morning tea with local inspiring women. Students from Katherine High School, Nightcliff Middle School and Yirara College in Alice Springs (below) captured the moment with memorable photos.
The United Nations theme for International Women’s Day on 8 March 2024 was ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women and Accelerate Progress’ which is especially fitting for the Stars Foundation as we believe women’s economic empowerment is central to a gender equal future.
Stars focuses on education because this is the foundation for First Nations young women to seize opportunities to learn, earn and lead. The empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls through education can deliver significantly improved economic, health and social outcomes – not just for the young women themselves, but also for their families, wider communities, and future generations.
Thank You for Your Support
Stars relies on the understanding and support of generous partners who wish to join us in making a difference for First Nations girls and young women.
We wish to welcome our newest partners – Brian & Virginia McNamee Foundation, Inland Rail (ARTC) and modibodi. Many thanks to our longstanding partners who have recently renewed their partnerships, and this includes Supre Foundation, AGL, APA Group, BAE Systems and Capricorn Foundation.
Thank you for enabling our important work.
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