In October this year, community members, families, corporate partners and other VIPs were invited to attend a community celebration, launching the Shooting Stars program at Wyndham District High School.
Shooting Stars is a community-led educational engagement program for Aboriginal girls and young women. It is delivered predominantly by Aboriginal women, who walk alongside the program participants throughout their schooling journeys. Shooting Stars offers advocacy and support to build confidence, cultural identity, wellbeing, positive relationships and capacity for participants to make informed decisions about their futures, unlocking the door to self-determination and empowering them to reach their full potential. Now based in 22 school-based sites, the program reaches over 1,200 girls and young women across Western and South Australia.
The Wyndham site launch began with a Welcome to Country from Amy Birch, followed by an emotional address from School Principal, Danielle Woodhouse, as she spoke of the importance of the support Shooting Stars will be able to offer.
Attendees heard from members of the Shooting Stars team – both staff and program participants. Mattaya, a Year 3 Shooting Stars participant, shared her experiences in the program so far.
The specially designed Wyndham Shooting Stars netball dresses were presented on the day, and a symbolic cutting of the ribbon took place to formalise the launch.
To close the event, guests were invited to stay for morning tea and a friendly volleyball match.
