Year 12 Graduate, Hallee, Pays Tribute to Stars Program
November is typically a month of celebrations at Stars Foundation as we join family members and the school community to celebrate the achievements of more than 4000 Stars program participants and 300 Stars Year 12 Graduates, many of whom are first in family to complete school.
Hallee is a Stars 2025 Graduate from Girrawheen Senior High School in WA who recently completed school with a Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) qualification and a Certificate II in Hospitality. She is excited about the future ahead and has her sights set on combining her passion for travel, tourism and hospitality.
Hallee’s Year 12 speech
As part of the Stars End of Year Celebrations, Hallee delivered a speech to an audience of 100+ that beautifully captures the impact of Stars Foundation in her school journey as follows below.
“My name is Hallee Hill Eades, and I’m proud to be speaking on behalf of the Year 12 Stars Graduates. This event isn’t just about Awards, it’s about celebrating our resilience, our growth, and the sisterhood that’s carried us through.
When we started at Girrawheen, some of us were unsure, quiet, overwhelmed, and just trying to find our place – and then Stars Foundation came into our lives in 2021, and everything changed. It gave us space to grow, to learn and to be proud of who we are as young Aboriginal women. It taught us to walk with pride, lead with heart, and never forget where we come from.
We’ve faced challenges – academically, personally, and emotionally. There were days we felt invisible, unheard, and unsure of our future. But Stars was always there and gave us strength when we felt weak and reminded us, we weren’t alone. Stars gave us a reason to keep showing up, not just for school, but for ourselves.
Stars wasn’t just a program, it was a mirror that showed us our strength, a compass that pointed us back to our culture, and a light that reminded us we were never walking alone. It gave us the courage to speak up, the space to be seen, and the tools to rise.
And behind that mirror, that compass, and that light, were the women who held it steady for us, who walked beside us guiding us. Even though there were other Mentors along the way we would like to thank them too and we are so grateful for your time spent with us, but we would like to give a special shout out to Lou and Brea.
Brea you may have only joined us this year, but your impact has been powerful. You brought warmth, energy, and a sense of calm that made us feel instantly supported. You’ve shown up for us with genuine care, and you’ve helped make this final year one we’ll never forget. You’ve reminded us that even short connections can leave lifelong impressions, and we’re so grateful for yours – thank you.
Lou, you’ve been with us from the beginning. You’ve seen us at our lowest and lifted us to our highest. You’ve been our guide, our rock, our reality check, and our biggest cheerleader. You’ve given us your time, your energy, and your heart. You’ve believed in us when we didn’t believe in ourselves. You’ve helped us find our voice, reminded us of our worth, and taught us to stand tall in who we are. You’ve never asked for recognition, but tonight we want you to hear this loud and clear – we see you, we appreciate you, and we love you. Thank you for being consistent, for being real, and for being Lou.
To my fellow Stars Graduates We didn’t just survive high school – we transformed through it. We entered as girls trying to find our place, and we leave young women who know their worth. We’ve laughed until we cried, cried until we healed, and grown in ways we never imagined.
We’ve carried each other through the hard days, celebrated the wins – big and small, we’ve walked this journey together – we’ve lifted each other up, shared our stories, and grown side by side. I’ve seen your strength, your courage, and your determination and I know that whatever comes next, you’ll carry that same fire into the future.
To the younger Stars’ girls, I want you to hear this loud and clear – Stars only want to see you do good. They want to support you, guide you, and help you succeed – but only if you let them. You have to show up, be open, and be willing to grow. Respect the space, respect the people in it, and most importantly, respect yourself. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be present. Ask for help when you need it. Speak your truth and own your story. Stars are here to walk beside you, but you have to take the first step.
And when things get hard, because they will, don’t shut down, don’t run from the people who care about you, lean in. Let Stars be your safe place; let it be your strength. Because once you open yourself up to it, you’ll realise how much love and support is waiting for you, you’ll realise that you’re not alone, and that you never were.
As the year 12 Stars Graduates step into the next chapter of life, we’ll carry everything Stars has taught us. We’ll carry the lessons, the love, and the pride and I know that whatever comes next, we’ll face it with courage, because we’ve been taught to rise. Thank you very much.”
Louise’s reflections on Hallee’s Stars journey
Stars Program Coordinator at Girrawheen Senior High School, Louise Ockerby, said Hallee was a quiet young lady when joining the Stars program as it opened in Girrawheen 2021, and she fast became a valued participant of Stars and the school community.
“Hallee always showed great respect towards Stars Mentors, her peers, and teachers. Hallee demonstrated strong leadership skills and never hesitated to volunteer particularly when delivering the Acknowledgement of Country, which she did with pride and confidence. Her laughter was infectious and she would often laugh until she cried- her smile could fill the whole room,’ said Louise.
“It has been inspiring to watch Hallee’s journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery over the years, as she has developed into a confident young woman ready to take on new opportunities. We are incredibly proud of Hallee’s achievement, and it has been an absolute privilege to witness Hallee become the best version of herself over the five years, and we look forward to hearing about her next adventures.”
Hallee’s story represents the strength and growth over the years from the Stars Year 12 Graduates. The Stars Foundation team congratulates Hallee and all the Year 12 Graduates on reaching this special milestone.
We collectively wish these strong, smart and capable young women a prosperous journey ahead where they reach their full potential. Meanwhile, Stars Transitions Coordinators across Australia will support each of them as they transition from school to their next steps in life, to fulfil their dreams related to further study, employment and/or family.
Stars Embrace Term 3 Opportunities
Across the country, Stars Foundation programs have been buzzing with activities that encourage students to aim high and dream big. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, or within community and cultural spaces, First Nations Stars students are benefiting from the mentoring and support that they need to thrive.
Term 3 has been a season of momentum and pride as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students continue their journeys towards graduation and beyond. The following stories showcase some of the inspiring highlights from Stars programs around the country.
Tamworth Stars Enjoy Western Sydney Adventure in NSW
Selected Year 11 Stars students from Tamworth High School in NSW with an attendance rate of 90% or above were recently rewarded with an unforgettable overnight excursion to Cables Wake Park in Penrith, NSW.
The adventure began with a visit Australia’s first inverted house titled ‘House Down Under’ in Sydney. The students had a fantastic time navigating the topsy-turvy rooms, attempting to reach ’ceiling’ furniture including coffee tables and couches, and all while snapping surreal and hilarious photos. The experience sparked laughter, creativity and some memorable poses.
Excitement mounted with a memorable Sydney Harbour Bridge climb which was an incredible experience offering breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment. Additional highlights included a round of aqua golf, sharing stories together over lunch and dinner and generally enjoying each other’s company.
It was a well-deserved reward for the student’s dedication and excellent attendance- a trip filled with laughter, bonding and unforgettable memories.
Inaugural Netball Carnival is a Winner for SA and VIC Stars
Years 7-9 students from seven Stars programs from South Australia and Western Victoria recently met and merged forces for the inaugural netball carnival.
Stars students from Chaffey Secondary College and Robinvale College in Victoria were excited to meet Stars students from Ocean View College, Para Hills High School, Paralowie R-12 School, Wirreanda Secondary School and Christies Beach High School in Adelaide, South Australia.
The young women competed in a friendly round robin of netball, which for many, was the first time they had played the game! Everyone participated with plenty of enthusiasm and awesome sportsmanship. A combined Stars student team also competed against the Mentors in a highly competitive and fierce competition, with the Mentors being victorious!
There were also community partners hosting exhibition stands for the young women to meet and learn from throughout the day. Special thanks to Toby from Head Space Port Adelaide, Dylan from Shine SA and Max from Foodbank SA for sharing your time and insights with our young women. Thanks also to Nicole from Woodville for suppling and cooking a delicious BBQ lunch.
To complete a wonderful day, Stars students were treated to a colour fun run and many new friendships, lots of laughter and smiles were shared by all. When travelling home, students shared that they are already looking forward to the next carnival!
Creativity in Full Bloom for Broome Stars at TAFE in WA
Year 9 Stars students from Broome Senior High School recently visited Broome TAFE to participate in an exciting introductory Floristry course. During the visit, students enjoyed the opportunity to create their own flower arrangements, buttonholes, and corsages, while gaining insight into the floristry industry.
The hands-on experience allowed the girls to express their creativity, learn new skills, and explore potential career pathways in floristry. It was an engaging and inspiring day, and the girls came away with new knowledge and some beautiful floral creations.
Townsville Stars Share Joy of Reading on Indigenous Literacy Day in QLD
Year 8 Stars students from Heatley Secondary College in Townsville, Queensland, visited Carinity Education Shalom to read books to the Years 1 and 2 students to honour Indigenous Literacy Day.
The students sat in groups and picked out their favourite books to read to the younger students, and they sat quietly while listening to the girls read stories including ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’, ‘Wombat Stew’ and ‘Bluey’.
Some of the younger students were even inspired to have a go at reading as well. It was wonderful to see Stars students interact and inspire the younger children to explore and enjoy their favourite stories.
Darwin Stars Explore Maritime Services Industry in NT
Year 12 Stars students from Haileybury Rendall School, Palmerston College, and Casuarina College in Darwin, participated in a site tour and an inspiring and informative experience of the BMD Darwin Lift Ship project. The site forms a key part of the Northern Territory Government’s collaboration with BMD to develop a hub for the region’s maritime services industry.
During the visit, students engaged with BMD’s female professionals who shared insights into their career journeys, pathways into the industry, and upcoming employment opportunities. The event offered students the chance to ask questions, network, and gain a deeper understanding of potential future careers in the maritime and construction sectors.
The proceedings concluded with an enjoyable morning tea which gave students an opportunity to connect and reflect on the experience and the potential opportunities ahead.
Stars Delivers Holistic Program
Stars Foundation provides a holistic, full-time and in-school mentoring program that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women to identify their goals and reach their full potential.
The Stars program focuses on four pillars designed to improve health and education outcomes. These include:
- Education, Training and Employment – encourages active engagement in education and the development of positive plans for a successful transition into employment or further study.
- Healthy Lifestyles – addresses healthy habits for life including nutrition, self-care and personal hygiene, sport, and fitness.
- Wellbeing – focuses on personal wellbeing and mental health.
- Community, Culture and Leadership – celebrates First Nations culture and encourages activity within communities which develops confidence and pride.
Stars Mentors across Australia are currently turning their attention to supporting students through the final term and completion of the school year which, will involve end of year celebrations for students completing school.
Celebrating 10 Years of Stars
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 10th 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.
A group of Year 9 Thuringowa Stars showing signs of disengagement were taken on a ‘reconnection’ camp focusing on personal and cultural identity and the importance of getting a good education.
The camp took place at Mungalla Station (Nywaigi Country), east of Ingham in Queensland, which is operated by Traditional Owner, Jacob Cassady.
The planning of the camp was both challenging and emotional because of the strong spiritual connection to one of our Stars Mentors and proud Warrgamay woman, May Kabay.
It was a moving experience for both students and Mentors and showed just how important it is to pass on the history of places like Mungalla Station and teach young people about their culture.
Our Stars developed a strong ‘sisterhood’ as together they discovered more about the history of the place, learnt traditional language from Warrgamay Elders, and took part in an emotional yarning circle with special guests Ingham’s Police Liaison Officer, Terry Russell, Stars Coordinator, Rebecca Healey, and Thuringowa State High School teacher, Brianna Clancy.
After the yarning circle, the girls enjoyed a BBQ with meat supplied by local butcher Frank Galipo, of Galipo’s Meats in Ingham. Frank generously donated $150 worth of meat after hearing about the work of Stars Foundation. Thank you, Frank!
The camp was a wonderful way for the students to re-engage and they all left the camp with a deeper understanding of culture and the importance of having a positive mindset and getting a good education.
We would like to acknowledge the Traditional owner groups – Warrgamay and Nywaigi – for welcoming us to their Country. In particular, Warrgamay Traditional owners Soraya Whelan, Josie Barrett, Trisha George, Keisha George, Clarence Wyles and Fay Cashmere, and Nywaigi Traditional owners, Jacob and Buddy Cassady.
Enjoying time together 
Butcher Frank Galipo donated $150 worth of meat! 
Cultural connection
The future is in our Stars! That’s why we give the young women in our programs many opportunities to explore the career pathways available to them, including Law, Science, Nursing, Defence, Emergency Services, Hospitality, Hairdressing and many others.
Recently some of our Darwin Stars explored vocational training options at Charles Darwin University’s Palmerston facility, which focuses on Hospitality, Tourism, Culinary Arts and Hairdressing.
The purpose was to give students a hands-on experience, during which they got to meet and yarn with Lecturers and try out a range of Vocational Education and Training (VET) options that are open to them if they decide to apply for VET in 2022.
Students rotated around the various Schools on campus, taking part in a range of practical activities, including an introduction to hairdressing, learning how to carry multiple plates in a restaurant setting, and making pita bread and chicken schnitzel from scratch!
At the conclusion of the visit, the students sat down to eat the food they’d made and listen to an inspirational speech by Dr Theresa Schwellnus, who spoke about the many opportunities available across Charles Darwin University and the importance of lifelong learning.
It was fantastic to see our Stars so interested and engaged in all the activities – a big thank you to everyone at CDU’s Palmerston facility for hosting the visit.
Six of our Year 10 Thuringowa Stars recently conducted an official handover of their stunning artwork – ‘Mother Earth – Heal Country’ – to our wonderful corporate partner, Bank of Queensland (BOQ).
BOQ had approached Stars to produce a piece of artwork, with mentoring provided by Aboriginal artist and 2017 NAIDOC poster winner, Joanne Cassady.
The project was a collaboration between six Year 10 Stars, who had all shown an interest in art, and the resulting piece combines their individual interpretations of this year’s NAIDOC Theme, ‘Heal Country’.
At the beginning of the project, Joanne yarned with the students about her experience of growing up in Sydney’s Redfern, which prompted a broader discussion about living as an Indigenous young person in today’s society.
Our Stars showed a strong understanding of the ongoing impact of colonization on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and of the importance of country, which they were able to express through their art.
The students felt a deep sense of pride at the end of the project, as they displayed and presented their beautiful work.
Dreamtime Stories Come to Life
Karratha Stars were invited to take part in the Juluwarlu puppet project, which will bring dreamtime stories to life in a performance next year.
The students had the opportunity to work with the artists in residence, Karen and Sanjiva, and be introduced to some local Elders who shared dreamtime stories about country.
Our Stars helped mold and shape the cane to create the skeleton of the animals, using heat guns, drills and wire to keep the pieces in place.
They also helped work on the feet of a crow, which were made out of pool noodles and covered in a light material using wood glue.
Having had a direct involvement in helping to prepare some of the huge puppets, the girls are very excited to see the performance in 2022!
Rising Star: Jaimie Bryant
Katherine Year 12 Stars Graduate, Jaimie Bryant, has been awarded the 2021 ‘Puggy’ Hunter Memorial Scholarship and will pursue her study of Physiotherapy at Australian Catholic University in Brisbane.
Jaimie’s dedication to her education, her commitment to acting as a role model for other Stars, and her involvement in the local Katherine community, played a big part in her being successful in her application.
The Scholarship is funded by the Australian Government and aims to increase the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the health workforce.
It was established in 2002 to recognise Dr Arnold (‘Puggy’) Hunter’s significant contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and also his role as Chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
The scholarship provides financial assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduate students studying health related disciplines in a tertiary education institution.
Well done, Jaimie! You have such a bright future ahead of you.
Read all about the fantastic achievements of the young women being supported by our programs around Australia.
Stars is Closing the Gap – 96% Year 12 Completion Rate in 2017
Stars is continuing to close the gap in education outcomes, with 96 per cent of our senior girls completing Year 12 in 2017. This is a stunning achievement, particularly when you consider the overall national rate of Year 12 completion for Indigenous people was as low as 65.3 per cent in 2016. The figure was even lower in the Northern Territory at just 39.1 per cent (Closing the Gap Report 2018).
Read our newsletter to find out more about the great outcomes our program is achieving with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.