Former Shooting Stars participant, Sophie Gumpoltsberger, has joined the team as the Derby Assistant Program Coordinator, as Shooting Stars continues to provide career opportunities for young Aboriginal girls in remote communities.
A participant of the pilot program in Halls Creek in 2015, Sophie attributes Shooting Stars to the person she is today.
“Shooting Stars supported me to make my own decisions both in and out of school,” said Gumpoltsberger.
“They were a big part of my schooling success, encouraging me to come to school and shout out to Helen Ockerby, she was really there for me throughout my last year of school.”
Having been a participant, Sophie is eager to give back to the community and offer the support and guidance she received during her schooling, to the next generation of young Aboriginal girls.
“I know the struggles and challenges that Aboriginal girls in remote areas go through which gives me a deeper understanding of how best to support our participants,” said Gumpoltsberger.
“I feel very honoured to have this opportunity to help empower the young Aboriginal girls of Derby.”
Shooting Stars Executive Officer Fran Haintz said the organisation is all about passion. Our staff are passionate about the participants and the program and what it can achieve.
“There is nothing more powerful than a former participant who has experienced the positive impact of our program wanting to be part of the organisation to extend that impact to up-and-coming girls in their communities,” said Haintz.
“It has been a pleasure seeing Sophie grow and develop within school as a participant to now as she embraces opportunities on her post-school journey. Derby is very lucky to have her.”
