Newmont, the world’s leading gold company, is committed to contributing to better life outcomes and engagement with Indigenous communities. Their support will enable Shooting Stars to build on the success of their Narrogin site, establishing it as the Southern Hub with outreach to schools such as Wagin, Boddington, Pingelly, and Brookton.
By providing opportunities for up to 100 young Aboriginal women from these areas to access Shooting Stars’ culturally responsive and place-based program, as well as building their familiarity with Narrogin Senior High School, the program will better support the successful transition to engage in the senior years of education. The partnership will also enhance career and industry awareness and extend education to employment pathway opportunities for Shooting Stars students at Newmont Boddington.
As a major partner of Shooting Stars on Gnaala Karla Booja, Newmont’s investment will see Shooting Stars deliver this innovative program by employing additional Aboriginal role models to join the team and provide advocacy and support for young Aboriginal women in the region as they continue their education journey.
The partnership developed over the past two years will support delivery on secondary education engagement and relationship commitments in Newmont’s Moorditj Booja Community Partnership Agreement and Reconciliation Action Plan. The partnership was launched at the recent Narrogin Shooting Stars Awards Night.
Shooting Stars Acting Executive Officer, Latoya Bolton-Black, highlighted the significant impact Newmont’s partnership will have on the educational journeys of Aboriginal girls who live on Gnaala Karla Booja.
“There are some statistics that indicate the urgency and importance of this work, currently the year 11 and 12 retainment rate for Aboriginal students in the Southwest is significantly lower than the state average. This disparity is a clear indication that we need to take action to provide the necessary support to ensure our Aboriginal girls have equal access to education and employment opportunities. Through this partnership we are committed to closing this gap,” said Bolton-Black.
Newmont Australia Managing Director, Mia Gous, outlined the importance of the partnership and the company’s commitment to working with and supporting the aspirations of Aboriginal communities.
“Newmont has well-established relationships with the Gnaala Karla Booja – Noongar People, and we know how important engagement in education is to improving life outcomes for everyone. We are really pleased to support the Shooting Stars vision of establishing the Southern Hub and we look forward to working with their team,’ said Gous.
