Shooting Stars students from the Meekatharra District High School played host to a group of special visitors late last month, with staff from Sandfire Resources NL witnessing the program for the first time.
The leading WA copper miner, which operates the DeGrussa mine north of Meekatharra, joined forces with Shooting Stars as a Community Partner earlier this year.
The Partnership assists in funding the employment of new Shooting Stars Program Coordinator Lynley Jetta, as well as the associated costs of the role including sporting equipment and health and well-being activity costs.
The Sandfire staff not only got to meet Lynley and witness the valuable work of their investment in action, but were also fortunate to be present for the official launch of the new Shooting Stars room at the Meekatharra District High School, including a community BBQ and game of social Netball.
Sandfire Commercial Services and Sustainability Officer, Coleen Ferrier, said it was wonderful to see the progress Shooting Stars had made in the Meekatharra community.
“Sandfire is committed to supporting initiatives that aim to address the education gap in rural communities which was a key factor in our decision to partner with Shooting Stars earlier in the year,” Ferrier said.
“This trip was a fantastic opportunity to meet Lynley and the Shooting Stars team and see first-hand the value this is bringing to the students who participate.”
“We were particularly impressed with the Shooting Stars room and the girls should be proud of themselves as it was evident that they had put a considerable amount of effort into making the room look amazing.”
“We would like to thank Shooting Stars and the Meekatharra District High School for hosting us on our visit and look forward to our continued partnership.
The Sandfire visit coincided with that of West Coast Fever midcourter Ingrid Colyer, who was midway through her tour of the Shooting Stars delivery sites in the Mid-West Gascoyne Region, and excited to see one of the program’s partners experience the initiative first hand.
Shooting Stars Executive Officer, Fran Haintz, said it was a thrill for the students to welcome the staff from Sandfire.
“The girls were so proud to show off their community and their school, particularly the new Shooting Stars room,” Haintz said.
“It was also a chance for the staff from Sandfire to witness the outstanding work Lynley is doing and the relationships she has established with our participants, the school and the broader community.”
“We like to facilitate avenues through which our students can continue to make the connection between the investment of our Partners, and the opportunities they provide, and I think this visit was such a worthwhile experience for all involved.”
