2020 Graduates

Telita is a proud Murray Island women from the Komet tribe in the Eastern Region of the Torres Strait Islands. Telita proudly graduated from Thuringowa State High School in Townsville in 2020, with the support of Stars.

Telita aspired for university; however, she was concerned about how to financially support herself while also being available to help her wonderful Mum, a single parent, with family commitments that involve caring for her younger brother who has a disability.

The Stars Transitions team helped Telita secure a full-time job at a local bank which also involved a traineeship and completion of a Certificate III in Business.

This opportunity has provided financial stability for Telita and in 2023 she was thrilled to purchase her first new car and is now focused on saving to buy a house. Telita recently successfully gained a promotion into the Loans team and is excited to be in a new department challenging herself and developing new skills.

“It was such a relief to complete the Certificate as it hasn’t been easy to balance full-time work with my studies. As soon as I finished, I felt such joy and I was so proud of myself for getting through it. One of the best parts about employment and earning a consistent wage is being able to support myself and my family and being able to enjoy life and do things like go to music festivals and travel,” said Telita.

“I have been so lucky to have the support of Stars and my colleagues as they have always been on the sidelines cheering me on. One thing I want all the girls in the Stars Foundation program to know is that it’s okay to move into new things and to take up opportunities that come your way, especially as you never know where it might lead you.”

Telita is now looking forward to the next phase of her career where she is committed to growing her knowledge and understanding and developing her skills in new areas.

Stars Transitions Coordinator, Emma, said: “I have been working with Telita for four years and I am so proud of what she has achieved so far. Telita is an amazing inspiration and a perfect example of not letting anything get in her way to reach her full potential. I believe she is the epitome of why Stars exists.”