Alumnae Thriving at Work with Stars Partners
The impact of Stars partnerships extends well beyond financial support. Across Australia, many Stars partners are helping create meaningful pathways for Stars students and Alumnae, opening doors to employment, career development and exciting opportunities for the future.
As Stars Foundation continues to grow, so too does the number of Alumnae building rewarding careers with dedicated Stars partners that support the empowerment of First Nations young women. These connections are a powerful example of partnerships coming full circle – creating opportunities for talented young First Nations women while helping employers welcome skilled, motivated employees into their teams.
This article celebrates some of the Stars Alumnae who are thriving in their careers with Stars partners and the mutually rewarding relationships making their success possible.
Transitions Mentors Help Build Pathways
Every Stars program is supported by a Transitions Mentor who works closely with Stars’ students and focuses on individual education and employment opportunities and pathways.
During the senior school years, Stars’ Transitions Mentors work closely with Mentors, school educators, families, preferred universities, and local employers across Australia to help a young student make her aspirations a reality.
This support continues for around two years after students leave school, helping Stars Alumnae navigate the important transition into further education, training and employment.
Vylette Represents Webuild at Stars’ Futures Forum in WA
Vylette Burns graduated from Coodanup College in WA in 2025 and in September 2026 is employed as an Administration Assistant at Webuild. Vylette proudly represented Webuild at Stars’ Futures Forum in Perth. It was a particularly powerful full-circle moment, as Vylette was able to share her own story to inspire senior Stars students as they consider their future pathways.
Webuild is a pioneering project delivery company that harnesses innovative engineering and construction solutions to improve peoples’ lives today and tomorrow. Webuild in Australia is comprised of Webuild, Clough, and e2o.
Vylette was selected for a role with Webuild in 2024 as a School-Based Trainee, which was in part due to her high school attendance. Throughout her traineeship, Vylette completed her Certificate II in Workplace Skills and also embraced every opportunity, rotating through administration, reception, facilities, and the Learning and Development team.
Vylette obtained the Webuild traineeship through Maxima. She was handpicked by Louise, the Workplace Learning Coordinator at Coodanup College. She was then invited to a presentation by Maxima, where she completed an application process and was selected due to her high attendance and commitment.
At Vylette’s first visit to a Webuild site, she joined the team at the Woodman Point Project, where she got to see everything that goes into bringing WA’s largest and most advanced treatment upgrade to life.
“This visit has influenced my interest in pursuing a career in construction by seeing there are so many different jobs roles that I can pursue,” said Vylette.
The link below features an article on Vylette in the Webuild 2026-2028 Reconciliation Action Plan which outlines her value within the company.
https://media.webuildgroup.com/sites/default/files/2026-08/WB_RAP_Innovate-2026-28_FINAL_web.pdf
A Webuild Group article in Nov 2025 highlights how Vylette helped Webuild drive community engagement on the Women and Babies Hospital Project
Alayah Embraces Traineeship at Webuild in WA
Alayah Hill proudly graduated from Swan View Senior High School in WA in 2022 and had a strong vision to work for a pioneering project delivery company.
Alayah started working with Stars Foundation’s valued partner, Webuild, in 2021 as part of Webuild’s Traineeship Program. During this time Alayah completed her Certificate II in Workplace Skills, won Apprentice of the Year at the Maxima Group Graduation Night, and has become an integral part of the team.
“My traineeship journey with Webuild began when I was offered the opportunity to come out and do an interview after I had been applying and looking into different traineeships across different industries. I was only 15 at the time and thought the office was too fancy for me but instantly felt welcomed when I came in,” said Alayah.
“Webuild has supported my growth and development by offering mentorship and different opportunities to help me grow within my role. I am most excited about growing and developing and eventually moving into a more senior role.”
The link below features a short film whereby Webuild published an interview with Alayah about her role in June 2024, and the interview is available at https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=425931597093768
Stars Shine at Kmart in Townsville, QLD
Since Stars Foundation commenced an official partnership with Kmart Group, one Stars Year 12 student and three Stars Graduates from 2024- 2025 have commenced work at two stores in Townsville.
Year 12 student at Heatley Secondary College, Olai (pictured solo), was thrilled to secure employment with the Kmart Fairfield store as she wanted to gain work experience prior to completing school and is saving funds for her sporting commitments and Stars Graduate End of Year Trip.
Meanwhile, Kmart Aitkenvale hosted a small tour for four young women who were also seeking employment. Following the tour three girls applied for a position, attended an interview and were successful in gaining employment. Meanwhile, Jayharnie, who attended the tour later secured a role with Toyota.
Ali is a 2024 Graduate from Heatley Secondary College and since leaving school she has completed a couple of short courses in food safety handling and barista skills. The Kmart team were very impressed with Ali’s well thought out answers and proactive approach in her interview which helped her secure the position. Ali is planning to commence University studies completing a bridging course at James Cook University to gain entry into the Bachelor of Arts – Science major in September and is thrilled to have a casual job to help support herself through this journey.
Mahalia graduated from Thuringowa State High School in 2025 and completed a 10-week hospitality course after school where she gained work experience at the local cinema. This role helped her clarify she enjoys working in customer service and that she sought a workplace closer to home.
Katara is a 2025 Graduate from Pimlico State High School and when completing school, she successfully completed a 6-month traineeship with the local rangers. Katara has embraced working at Kmart as this helps her gain financial independence and work experience as she explores a long-term goal to join the Airforce.
Thank you to Stars’ Partners and Alumnae
The Stars’ team are incredibly grateful to our partners who continue to invest in the potential of Stars students and Alumnae, whether through generous funds or by creating meaningful opportunities to learn, grow and build rewarding careers. The image above is a snapshot of partners, students and Mentors gathered at the 2026 Stars Futures Forum in Perth.
As Stars Foundation continues to grow across Australia, we warmly welcome new organisations to join us in creating pathways for talented First Nations young women. Together, we can open more doors, strengthen workplaces and help the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young women build bright and fulfilling futures.
Meanwhile, we are proud of everything the young women mentioned above have accomplished so far and we look forward to witnessing their continued success.