In their 150th year, Orica is committed to building strong relationships both globally and within their host communities. Their Reconciliation Action Plan was launched in 2022 with a focus on hosting both internal and external initiatives to improve cultural knowledge and build stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Shooting Stars is a school-based education engagement program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women. As a program that is community-led and place-based, Shooting Stars proudly prioritises the employment of local Aboriginal women, which helps to ensure program delivery is responsive to the cultural priorities and needs of each specific community. The program offers advocacy, support and opportunities to Shooting Stars participants throughout their education journeys. Driving their vision, Empowered Aboriginal girls and women, Shooting Stars builds confidence, cultural identity, and positive wellbeing so girls and young women in the program are empowered to drive their own futures and reach their full potential.
Yarning research conducted at Shooting Stars is grounded in Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing, and provides a platform for participant and community voices to be heard. Through this partnership, Orica’s contribution to Shooting Stars’ operation across Western and South Australia, will also assist with further development of this unique evidence base to challenge the status quo.
“Orica partnered with Shooting Stars to advance our commitment to equitable opportunities for Indigenous females, aligning with our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Reconciliation goals, while fostering growth alongside key customers in communities where we operate”.
Communities and regions in which both Shooting Stars and Orica operate, include Leonora and Laverton in the Goldfields; Collie and Boddington in the Southwest; and Whyalla in South Australia.
Helen Ockerby, Executive Officer of Glass Jar Australia commented on the impact of this partnership for Shooting Stars participants in Western and South Australia, “We are very excited to call Orica a major partner, especially when they have already shown such dedication and enthusiasm to this partnership. This endeavour ensures the sustainability of our program so we can continue to empower Aboriginal girls, women and their communities, while also working to address barriers to empowerment.”
In addition to the funding Orica has generously committed to the Shooting Stars program, it is hoped that the partnership will open doors for participants to access career opportunities, including internships, work experience and mentoring.
