The Deadly Minds Matter program, formerly known as ‘Seven Sisters’ is an initiative of Shooting Stars that focuses on mental health and wellbeing, equipping participants with skills to navigate emotionally challenging situations in life. On the 30th of March, a community event was held at Roche Park in Collie to celebrate the achievements of the girls from Merredin, Narrogin, Collie and Kiara sites.
The event saw a turnout of 42 participants, along with staff, representatives from health service providers, and Mineral Resources, who generously provided lunch for everyone in attendance. The day was filled with netball, team-building games, an awards presentation, and interactions with health service providers. These services included Holyoake, Southwest Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS), Avon Community Services, Keedac Wheetbelt Aboriginal Corporation, PCYC, Youth Focus and WA Country Health Services – Southwest Public Health. They each had activities set up, which facilitated interaction and engagement. The girls had the opportunity to participate in painting, craft, focus and patience challenges, collaborative creative pieces, and they received some fun freebies.
There was some friendly competition between the sites as they played each other on the netball court, where the Kiara and Merredin girls were able to showcase their team uniforms, designed and collectively chosen by the site participants themselves. The final match of the day was between Shooting Stars staff and participants, which was an exciting game, although the winning team was undetermined.
The event concluded with presentations, awarding three participants from each site for categories that included ‘Attitude & Effort,’ ‘Most Improved,’ and ‘Teamwork & Spirit.’ Furthermore, all 42 girls were recognised for their personal growth and achievements as they stood in front of their peers to collect their certificates.
It was a big day, which followed the Southwest end-of-term reward sleepover, so well done to everyone involved who travelled, organised, contributed and kept the energy going! The success of this event was thanks to our committed staff, the health service providers who attended, and the generous funding from Mineral Resources, Telethon, Lotterywest and the Phillips Foundation.
And of course, thanks to the Shooting Stars participants for bringing so much joy and enthusiasm to the day, and for all their cooperation and commitment throughout the Deadly Minds Matter program.
