2017 Graduates

Marranunggu and Anmatjere woman, Danielle Ponter, graduated from the Stars Program at Casuarina Senior College in Darwin in 2017. She is a semi-professional athlete and was drafted by the Adelaide Football Club in 2018 and made her Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) debut in 2019.  

Danielle has since become a two-time premiership player and earned All-Australian honours, while also earning the title of 2025 National NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year. Danielle is a role model and revels in working in the club’s community team as a First Nations Programs Coordinator, where she enjoys working closely with young people and communities.  

“Mentoring and leading that next generation and the next wave of players and Indigenous girls and boys is important – to show them they are welcome in every space – whether that’s on a football field or in an office,” said Danielle Ponter. 

“It’s rewarding to create opportunities for young people, supporting them through sport and education, and helping them feel proud of their culture and identity.”  

Since graduation, Danielle has also worked as a Legal Assistant and Custody Notification Officer in a law firm, where she supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in police custody. She also previously worked as a Teacher’s Aide at a special needs school, supporting students in their learning and development.  

The best thing about Stars was… 

Definitely the relationships I built with both the staff and the other girls in the program. Those connections became really important to me, and many of those people have continued to be strong Mentors and support systems in my life even after finishing school. 

My fondest memory of Stars was … 

Honestly just the simple moments spent in the Stars Room with my friends – whether it was playing table tennis, card games, or the school pick-ups and drop-offs – those everyday moments were always full of laughs and good times. 

The most important thing the Stars experience showed me was … 

To be proud of who I am and where I come from. Stars also showed me that it’s okay to ask for help and lean on the people around you when you need support. 

A message for a young First Nations girl considering joining Stars … 

Stars is such a special program that gives you support, opportunities and a safe space to just be yourself. It helped me build confidence, strong friendships and connections with Mentors who still support me today. I’d encourage any young First Nations girl to get involved, make the most of the opportunities and never be afraid to ask for help.