In May 2025, 100 Year 11- and 12-Stars students from 15 Stars programs across Perth, Mandurah and Busselton came together for our annual Stars Foundation Perth Futures Forum.
Special thanks to Curtin University’s AHEAD program and St Catherine’s College for so generously hosting Stars and to every participating exhibiting partner who shared their experience and wisdom and gave students a glimpse of what’s possible in the future.
The event was focused on exploring pathways, building confidence, and connecting with inspiring people. During the Career Expo, students had the chance to explore a range of post-school pathways and have in-depth discussions with partners and organisations across industries including health, education, mining, defence and community services.
Stars students gathered from: Aveley Secondary College; Balga Senior High School; Belmont City College; Busselton Senior High School; Butler College; Coodanup College; Cecil Andrews College; Ellenbrook Secondary College; Gilmore College; Girrawheen Senior High School; Kent Street High School; Lynwood Senior High School; Swan View Senior High School; Yanchep Secondary College; and Warnbro Community High School.
What is a Stars Futures Forum?
Stars Futures Forums are dynamic and purposeful state-based events designed to inspire, inform, and connect senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women with future work opportunities.
These forums are a key initiative within Stars Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting First Nations students as they transition from school into further education, training, and employment.
Held in partnership with schools and local communities, Futures Forums bring together senior students from the Stars program and a diverse network of local businesses, Government agencies, training providers, and industry leaders.
The Forums offer students the opportunity to engage directly with professionals, ask questions, and explore a wide range of potential career and education pathways in a supportive and culturally safe environment.
Each Futures Forum is carefully designed to create tangible outcomes. Students are introduced to local and national education and training opportunities, including apprenticeships, university pathways, traineeships, and scholarship programs. They also gain exposure to employment possibilities across a wide range of sectors—from health, education, and community services to trades, government, and corporate industries.
The power of the Stars Futures Forums lies in their ability to bring together community, culture, leadership, and opportunity in one place. By forging these early connections and demystifying the world beyond school, Stars Foundation is helping ensure that every participating young woman can step forward with confidence, knowing that her future is filled with choice, support, and possibility.
Thank you to Futures Forum Partners and Exhibitors
Many of Stars Foundation’s valued partners are invited to participate in the Futures Forums, recognising the importance of building strong, meaningful relationships with the next generation of First Nations women leaders. These events serve as a two-way exchange: while students gain insight into industries and career options they may not have considered, exhibitorss are able to meet and connect with motivated, capable young women who are preparing to take the next step in their journeys.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone from the 32 businesses and Government and community organisations who helped make this day such a success.
Official Stars Partners Represented
Stars Foundation works closely with Official Partners to provide workplace learning and employment opportunities throughout the year, and we thank the following partners who also participated in this year’s Perth Futures Forum.
APA
BAE Systems
Chevron
Clough (WeBuild)
Inpex
Newmont
Santos
Sodexo
Synergy
Woodside
Woolworths.
Other supporting business, government and community organisations
Australian Defence Force Careers
Compass Group
Contract Resources
Curtin University – Centre for Aboriginal Studies
Department of Transport
Development WA
Fulton Hogan
Good Start Early Learning
Indigenous Youth Mobility Pathways Project
Jobs and Skills South Metro Tafe
Momentum
Monodelphous
Mooditj Koort
North Metropolitan TAFE
SEDA Group
St Catherines College – Dandjoo Darbalung
St John of God Midland
WA Police
YAL Scholarships
Zero2Hero.
Feedback from Exhibitors
“I particularly enjoyed the opening ceremony and the inspiring stories that were shared. I believe they truly highlighted for both students and vendors just how impactful an event like this can be in shaping students’ futures.” JS, Sodexo
“I was very lucky to have a former Stars student with me, to discuss her real-life journey. I loved the passport signing to get the students engaged.” CF, Goodstart Early Learning
“I enjoyed meeting students and talking to them about the benefits of a career with Woolworths.” BF, Woolworths.
Congratulations to the Award Winners
Selected students were acknowledged for their leadership and curiosity, and for putting Stars values into action throughout the day.
These standout students proudly accepted a Networking Award or Super-Star Award, having been nominated by their Stars Mentors and the Curtin AHEAD team. A huge congratulations to these inspiring young women who have made your programs proud!
Feedback from Senior Stars Students
Years 11 and 12 students were in awe of the opportunity to reside at university with Curtin University and St Catherines College. Stars students joining residing university students for lunch was a memorable experience, that was capped off by meeting so many welcoming work professionals who shared insights on potential pathways ahead.
The following student quote is indicative of overall student feedback.
“Today helped me realise how many opportunities are out there and I feel more confident about what I want to do next.”
Futures Forums are always a wonderful reminder that our Stars girls are bold, capable, and ready for the future and with strong community behind them, the sky’s the limit.
