Geologist Bronwyn Turner knows the sort of difference programs like Shooting Stars make in WA communities.
Bronwyn was inspired to pledge personal support after first learning of the program in a Mineral Resources Limited company newsletter. Bronwyn is currently working out of Mt Marion near Kalgoorlie but has also lived in the Pilbara.
She has now been a regular donor to Shooting Stars and Glass Jar Australia since about August last year and is encouraging others to do the same.
“Definitely (people should do it). It is very very easy,” Bronwyn said, “I lived in Newman for a few years and those sorts of programs always change things. Coming from a regional area myself, I know that education is the path to opening doors for a wider range of opportunities, whether that is educational, career or even just broadening your mind to what else exists in the world and how you can participate in or change it.”
Bronwyn keeps an eye on how the money is being spent through Shooting Stars newsletters. She said the fact girls are rewarded for school attendance and that the program is run largely by Indigenous women, with commitment to community involvement were major pluses.
Bronwyn hopes Shooting Stars only grows in the years to come. “I think this could eventually grow outside WA and Shooting Stars could collaborate with other Indigenous organisations … to leverage knowledge that has been learnt and ideas on aspects that work elsewhere in Australia,” she said. “I see the program having the same name brand recognition as the Starlight Foundation in the distant future.”
Executive Officer Fran Haintz praised Bronwyn for her leadership. “I think it’s as important because it’s showing broader community support,” Haintz said. “If there are 100 Bronwyns, that equals one of the larger partnerships in a 12-month period. “Not only that, it helps spread the Shooting Stars story and grows our advocates.
“It is great that Bronwyn is taking the initiative to support our program.”
Haintz encouraged other people in the community to find ways to support Shooting Stars, saying every little bit helps.
