2024 Graduates

Keira proudly graduated from Cecil Andrews College in Perth in 2024. A proud Yawuru and Torres Strait Islander (Saibai Island) woman, she worked tirelessly both at school and in her community to achieve remarkable success.

Her dedication earned her the ‘Donna Farragher MLC Leadership and Services Award’, a Certificate II in Sports and Recreation, and the Top Year 11/12 ‘Follow the Dream Academic Award’.

At a young age, Keira has already accomplished many unique achievements. At just 13, one of her paintings was featured at the Regional Bunbury Art Exhibition, where its story deeply resonated with audiences. She later gifted the piece to Director General of the Education Department, Jay Peckitt, following a traineeship in which she received a ‘Making a Difference Award’.

At 14, driven by a desire for representation, Keira contacted Government leaders including Tony Buti, Matt Keough, and Mark McGowan to advocate for the Torres Strait Islander flag to be raised at her school. Working alongside fellow Indigenous students, and with support from Stars Foundation and Clontarf Foundation, she organised a silent auction to fund a new flagpole. During this time, Keira met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who was so inspired by her story that he later honoured his promise to see the Torres Strait Islander flag raised at Parliament.

Keira’s cultural pride also shines through art and performance. In 2022, she performed alongside her family during Perth’s Local School NAIDOC Assemblies and Keira was later invited by the Australian Defence Force to share traditional dances with Indigenous recruits at Sydney’s Garden Island Naval Base.

After school, Keira joined the Education Department as an Indigenous Student Development Officer in the Director General’s Office. She later became an Administrative Assistant supporting the Principal and School Review Team. In 2025, Keira took on a new challenge as Executive Assistant to the Chief Marketing Officer and Company Secretary, and Office Administration Assistant, at the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in Perth, which is a not for profit that creates and promotes research-based knowledge, products and services to improve learning.

Reflecting on her Stars journey, Keira said the program gave her the strength and confidence to pursue her ambitions.

“Stars taught us to own and re-write our own stories and become the people we want to be. Having the extra support and strong Indigenous women around during crucial school years helped us unearth both our cultural and personal identities. Stars Foundation’s industry connections also guided us toward a successful future,” said Keira.

Keira’s story is one of leadership, creativity, and cultural pride – a powerful example of how Stars Foundation empowers First Nations girls and young women to realise their full potential.