Ten young women from regional Western Australia and South Australia have completed the 2026 Shooting Stars Alumni Program, taking another important step towards their goals beyond school.
The graduates, from Port Hedland, Morawa, Yalgoo, Collie and Whyalla, voluntarily committed to the 10-week program after finishing Year 12, choosing to continue investing in their personal and professional development as they prepare for employment, training and further study.
While Shooting Stars is best known for supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women throughout their school years, the Alumni Program extends that support beyond year 12 and provides additional pathways support for past participants after they leave school.
National Indigenous Times video: https://lnkd.in/p/gQ96J2YK
Facilitated by delivery partners, Upskill Global, the program brought participants together for twice-weekly online sessions focused on goal setting, career planning, job readiness and personal growth.
Shooting Stars Pathways Coordinator Talicia Jetta said the program was designed to support young women as they navigate the transition from school into adulthood.
“While you’re at school, you have people around you to guide you, encourage you and help you along the way. Leaving school is a big transition, and having the confidence and skills to navigate what comes next is really important.”
“The Alumni Program is about helping young women build their confidence, develop new skills and recognise their own potential, so they feel better equipped to work towards their goals and take on new opportunities.
“What makes this program so special is that these girls have chosen to be here. It’s completely voluntary, and they’ve made the commitment to show up, put themselves out there and see it through. That says a lot about who they are and their willingness to invest in themselves, their future and their personal and professional growth.”
Throughout the program, participants completed assignments, took part in group discussions and received tailored support aligned with their individual aspirations and pathways.
The program was strengthened by a network of corporate, community and Aboriginal-led organisations, which contributed training, technology, professional development experiences and networking opportunities throughout the 10-week program and following activities. Notably, the graduates received refurbished laptops through Danjoo Solutions' Kali Program, helping them stay connected throughout the course and continue working towards their goals after graduation.
A week of celebration, learning and connection
The graduates came together in Perth in October for a graduation ceremony hosted by long-term Shooting Stars community partner Horizon Power, followed by an Alumni Camp designed to further strengthen their work readiness and professional skills.
A Welcome to Country was delivered by John McGuire, and three of the Alumni Program graduates, Sarah, Jordan and Orianna, shared their experiences as part of a panel discussion, reflecting on how the program had shaped their aspirations and readiness for life beyond school.
Shooting Stars Alumni Graduation Ceremony panel discussion. Left to right: Shooting Stars Alumni graduates Orianna, Jordan and Sarah.
The event was attended by a number of Shooting Stars partners and supporters, including Horizon Power, Gold Industry Group, Minderoo Foundation, Mineral Resources, Northern Star Resources, Bellevue Gold, Fortescue, AngloGold Ashanti, SRG Global, Newmont, CBH, Tourism WA and PLS, creating valuable opportunities for participants to build professional connections and explore future pathways.
Participants also took part in professional development workshops, networking opportunities and mock interviews. Thanks to Dress for Success WA, graduates were able to add to their professional wardrobes ahead of these experiences.
The camp concluded with a hands-on cooking session at Recipe for Change by Uniting WA, where participants worked together to prepare meals for community members experiencing homelessness and hardship.
Recipes for Change session at Uniting WA. Left to right: Athena, Ciannah and Bailey.
Congratulations, Class of 2026
We're incredibly proud of the 2026 Alumni Program graduates:
- Athena (Whyalla)
- Jordan (Whyalla)
- Sarah (Whyalla)
- Ciannah (Whyalla)
- Helen (Morawa)
- Shanina (Morawa)
- Jayeleen (Morawa)
- Orianna (Collie)
- Skye (Hedland)
Shooting Stars Alumni Program graduates from Whyalla, South Australia: Athena, Jordan, Sarah and Ciannah.
Shooting Stars Alumni Program graduates from Collie, Morawa and Port Hedland: Orianna, Helen and Skye.
Shooting Stars Alumni Program graduates from Morawa and Yalgoo: Helen, Shanina and Jayeleen.
As Shooting Stars Operations Manager Lowana Corley reflected:
"We're extremely proud to celebrate the commitment these deadly, positive, young leaders have shown, particularly, over the past 10 weeks and we look forward to seeing where their journeys take them!"
Through training, networking, professional development and new experiences, our 2026 Alumni Program graduates have continued building towards the futures they want for themselves, and we can't wait to see what comes next.
Round table discussions during the Alumni Camp, involving industry professionals from various sectors.
Shooting Stars Alumni graduate, Athena during the camp’s mock interviews with Shooting Stars partners.
