Blog

This month, Stars Foundation marks a special milestone: 10 years of supporting and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women.

On 2 September 2025, celebrations began in Darwin which is where the work of Stars started a decade ago. His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM, Administrator of the Northern Territory and Ms Ruth Jones kindly hosted a reception at Government House Northern Territory.

It was a wonderful occasion for Stars students, Alumnae, Mentors, staff, Principals and partners to meet and acknowledge the growth of the organisation. Special thanks to friends from Social Justice Fund, APA, Cotton On, DP World, Maple-Brown Family Foundation, INPEX and NT and SA Government for joining us for the official ceremonies.

Throughout September, Stars will shine a light on celebrations in Stars Rooms across Australia, while honouring the remarkable journeys and achievements of Stars Alumnae.

A decade of growth

From its beginnings in 2015 with programs in Darwin, Stars has grown into a national network of 74 programs reaching over 4,000 First Nations students. What started with 285 girls and young women has evolved into a powerful movement – one that continues to empower lives and communities.

The Stars story is one of growth, resilience, and shared commitment. During the past 10 years, the organisation has expanded into schools across Australia as follows:

• Northern Territory: launched in 2015 and currently has 21 programs
• Queensland: opened first program in 2018 and now has 5 programs
• Victoria: opened first programs in 2018 and currently has 5 programs
• Western Australia: opened first programs in 2021 and now has 30 programs
• South Australia: opened first programs in 2022 and currently has 5 programs
• New South Wales: opened first programs in 2023 and now has 8 programs.

With a dedicated Stars team of 250 people, the Stars model improves education, health and employment outcomes for First Nations girls and young women, which in turn empowers families and communities.

This vision and commitment are not only shared by Stars’ Mentors, but also by schools, communities, and partners. Without their trust and collaboration, Stars simply could not exist.  Partnerships have allowed the organisation to strengthen connections with First Nations communities to create environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women feel safe, supported, and inspired to thrive.

Stars Alumnae: leading the way

More than 1,000 Stars Alumnae have now completed Year 12 and stepped into the world as role models.

The real success of Stars is the 1,000 plus Alumnae who feel immensely proud of who they are as First Nations young women and leaders.  Their paths are wide and varied and range from scientists to childcare workers, lobbyists, bankers, miners, university students, and mothers, and their determination inspires us all.

Stars Alumnae are the living proof of what happens when First Nations girls and young women are supported to unlock their full potential.

The people who make Stars

Behind the growth and impact of Stars are extraordinary people. From Mentors and Program Coordinators working daily alongside students, to staff in support roles in operations, partnerships, communications, HR, finance and IT – every person contributes to the collective success.

During the 10^th Anniversary celebration, Stars Founder and CEO, Andrea Goddard, recognised the importance of team members who have been with Stars since the beginning and who helped lay the foundations.

“Today is a celebration of our 1,000 Stars Alumnae, 4,000 current Stars students and 250 team members as their collective dedication, passion, and belief in the potential of First Nations girls and young women drives everything we do,” said Andrea Goddard.

“I especially want to acknowledge seven superstars from our team who have been with us since the beginning:  Kylie Duggan, Iggy Vallejo, Jaylene Bonson-Constantine Sam Rioli, Amanda Walker, Jordan Ah Sam and Tamara Rosas. Each took a risk to join a start-up and helped establish a strong foundation that is Stars today. I am enormously thankful for their courage, commitment and ongoing support.

“We are also extremely grateful to the First Nations communities and school leaders who welcome and support us – without them, our work would not be possible. Lastly, we thank our wonderful funding partners who ultimately make this work and impact possible.”

Closing the gap

While Stars has come far in a decade, the journey is not complete. Today, 4,000 First Nations girls and young women are engaged in the Stars programs – yet 11,000 boys and young men are supported through Clontarf Foundation.

In the past three years alone, Stars has doubled in size, opening 32 new programs. The momentum is strong, and the commitment remains clear: to continue expanding until every First Nations girl and young woman can benefit from Stars’ holistic approach and gender equity is achieved.

A shared celebration

The 10th anniversary is not only a celebration for Stars Foundation, but also for the partners, schools, and communities who have been part of the journey. It is a moment to pause and recognise what has been achieved together.

Through collaboration, belief, and shared purpose, Stars has transformed from a small initiative in Darwin to a national movement that is shaping futures.

As Stars Foundation looks ahead, one thing is certain: the mission remains unchanged. Every First Nations girl and young woman deserves the chance to shine.

Happy 10th anniversary to every Stars Alumnae, student, Mentor, staff member and partner who has contributed to this extraordinary journey! The future is in our Stars.