Empowering First Nations Girls and Young Women Since 2015
Stars Foundation was established in 2015 by Founder and CEO Andrea Goddard, who recognised an urgent need for education support programs tailored to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women.
At that time, significant investment was directed toward programs for boys, while few equivalent opportunities existed for girls. Having led the rapid expansion of the Clontarf Foundation — which focuses on improving education, discipline, life skills and employment prospects for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys and young men — Andrea saw the need for a similar program for girls to ensure gender equity and equal opportunity.
“As I travelled around the country setting up programs for boys, I lost count of the number of times I was asked why girls weren’t being given the same opportunity and level of support – ‘How come we don’t have this, Miss? How come we don’t matter?’ These were powerful questions that crystallised for me the need to establish Stars,” said Andrea Goddard.
Drawing on her experience in building impactful programs, Andrea mobilised an incredible team of supporters to create Stars Foundation – to empower First Nations girls and young women to thrive, in school and beyond.
2017 Graduation ceremony at Casuarina Senior College in Darwin, NT
A Shared Vision, Mission and Purpose
To establish Stars Foundation an Indigenous-led Board was formed, reinforcing a shared vision and commitment to empowering the next generation of First Nations young women. The highest level of governance was paramount, with both First Nations and corporate leaders committing their time, energy and expertise to ensure success.
Mission: To support and enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women to make active choices towards realising their full potential in all aspects of their development and wellbeing.
Purpose: To improve education, health and employment outcomes for First Nations girls and young women.
Stars Mentor, Jaylene Bonson, and students enjoying a cooling Healthy Lifestyle activity, Darwin NT
“At the heart of the Stars Foundation is our commitment to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women have the same opportunities as boys, with direct access to Mentors and education programs that are strengths-based and built around community culture and wellbeing,” said Andrea Goddard.
“Our critical partnerships allow us to offer holistic, wrap-around support that equip our students with the tools to succeed at school and make active choices about their future.
“We understand that education breeds resilience and it gives us great satisfaction knowing our support is helping First Nations girls and young women take charge of their futures, not only for themselves, but also for their families and their communities.”
Andrea presents 2018 Star of the Year Award to Teleah at Dripstone College in Darwin, NT
2018 End of Year Celebrations at Sanderson Middle School in Darwin, NT
Stars Alumnae Lead the Way
More than 1,300 Stars Alumnae have now completed Year 12 and stepped into the world as role models.
The real success of Stars is the 1,300+ 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.
In 2023, Stars Foundation custom made a digital app and website dedicated to Alumnae to ensure they can connect and share opportunities with one another, while also being wonderful role models to Stars students in school.
In April 2025 around 30 Stars Alumnae gathered with Year 12 Stars students for a special and inspiring evening of connection in Townsville, QLD.
Steady Program Growth
Since 2015, Stars Foundation has experienced significant milestones and transformative growth, year on year. With further programs scheduled to be added in 2026, this marks a 20–25% growth rate over the last three consecutive years, and all driven by requests from community, Elders, families and school leaders.
2025 Marks Key 10th Anniversary Milestone
From three programs in Darwin in 2015 supporting 285 girls, Stars Foundation has grown into a national network of 75 programs reaching more than 4,000 First Nations students. This milestone was reached when Stars Foundation proudly opened programs in New South Wales which marked that Stars programs now operate across all mainland states and the Northern Territory.
This growth reflects the dedication of more than 250 team members and the ongoing strength of community and school partnerships. The Stars model continues to exceed expectations in engagement, school attendance, Year 12 completion, and post-school transitions — delivering tangible, long-term benefits for students, families, and communities.
In December 2025, Stars Foundation had expanded its footprint to schools across six states and territories as follows in order of program size.
- Western Australia: 30 programs (since 2021)
- Northern Territory: 21 programs (since 2015)
- New South Wales: 8 programs (since 2023)
- Queensland: 6 programs (since 2018)
- Victoria: 5 programs (since 2018)
- South Australia: 5 programs (since 2022)
Official 2024 launch of Stars program at Tumut High School, NSW
It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
Stars Foundation’s success is built on the strength of its relationships — with Mentors, schools, communities, and partners who share a belief in the power of education.
Through these partnerships, Stars creates environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women feel safe, supported, and inspired to reach their potential.
At Stars Foundation’s 10th Anniversary in 2025, Andrea acknowledged the many people who have shaped the organisation’s success. She gave special recognition to seven original staff members whose courage and commitment helped bring Stars to life.
Together the founding team charted the Stars journey from its earliest days, stepping into multiple program roles over the past decade. Original members from 2015 include Jaylene Bonson-Constantine, Kylie Duggan, Samantha Rioli, and Iggy Vallejo. In 2016, Jordan Ah Sam, Tamara Rosas, and Amanda Walker joined the team – each playing a critical role in shaping Stars’ growth and success.
The founding team of Stars Foundation are pictured above at official proceedings at NT Government House from left to right: Iggy, Amanda, Sam, Andrea, Kylie, Jordan and Tamara (Jaylene is absent).
Focused on Closing the Education and Gender Gap
During the past decade, Stars Foundation has made remarkable progress – but the journey is far from over.
In 2025, more than 4,000 First Nations girls and young women are engaged in Stars programs across the country. Yet, more than 12,000 boys and young men are supported through the Clontarf Foundation. This difference highlights a continuing need for gender equity in opportunities and support.
Stars continues to expand based on need, strengthening its presence in communities nationwide. The momentum is strong, and the mission remains clear: to continue expanding until more First Nations girls and young women can benefit from Stars’ holistic approach and gender equity is achieved.
Stars students celebrate Stars’ 10th Anniversary in 2025 from Nightcliff Middle School in Darwin, NT above, and from Thuringowa State High School, QLD, below.
