Shooting Stars Now Going Beyond Year 12 With New Alumni Program

Shooting Stars has teamed up with Upskill Global to deliver its first ever formalised Alumni Program this year, giving past participants the chance to strengthen their career skills, confidence and job-readiness.

Five young women completed the 10-week Champion Mentality mentoring program, which provided practical support such as resume building, job applications, networking with mentors, and linking into real employment opportunities. Thanks to the generosity of Danjoo Solutions, through their Kali Program supported by The Perth Mint, each graduate also received a laptop to support their studies, employment, and ongoing learning.

“This contribution from Danjoo and the Perth Mint strengthens opportunities for learning, connection, and employment. It ensures our graduates have the tools to make the most of what comes next.” Said Shooting Stars Executive Officer, Helen Ockerby.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Manning Community Centre on Wednesday 27 August, attended by Shooting Stars partners, supporters, staff and family members.

“Today marks a milestone for Shooting Stars,” said Helen on the day. “We’re incredibly proud of these young women. They showed real courage by putting their hands up for something new and committing to their own growth. They’ve blazed a trail as our first-ever alumni graduates, and their names will be forever etched in Shooting Stars history.”

Two other alumni participants began the program but stepped away after gaining employment—an equally exciting outcome. One of them, Lilly, secured a role as a Shooting Stars Program Assistant at East Kimberley College. She is already celebrated as a valuable member of the team and mentor to the Shooting Stars girls at the school.

The Alumni Program featured inspiring guest speakers, including Amber Hayward-Ugle, Talia from WAITOC, and Scarlet Jauncey from the West Coast Fever Reserves. They each yarned about how they got to where they are in their own journeys.

Upskill Global CEO Brooking Hovell said the program was about creating opportunities and celebrating individuality. “For 10 weeks, we engaged twice a week to talk about employment pathways, goal-setting, and self-belief. We really wanted to discover what it is each young women wanted to do and what they love to do, because that’s important. We reminded the participants that their options aren’t limited—they could pursue politics, small business, sport, or whatever their passion is. To see their dedication at such a young age was phenomenal.”

Reflecting on the milestone of this graduation, Helen said: “It was very special to share this moment with so many of our partners and supporters. The pride we felt for these young women at the graduation ceremony is why we do what we do, and I think it’s also why so many of our partners come with us on the journey.”

She also added: “This year, we’re celebrating the Shooting Stars program’s 10-year anniversary, and I still remember meeting one of the graduates in Derby a whole decade ago. Skye was in Year 4 at the time, and it was my first year as Kimberley Regional Manager of this deadly new program. It’s special to know Shooting Stars has been around for so much of Skye’s education journey, and vice versa – she’s a foundation participant, an outstanding leader, and now she’s one of our first Alumni Graduates too.”

Skye reflected on her Alumni Program experience: “Being part of this program has opened my eyes to new opportunities and careers. It’s given me a start to a journey I never thought I’d be on. On behalf of my fellow graduates, I want to thank Danjoo, Upskill Global, and Shooting Stars for giving us this chance to grow and learn.”

She also designed a special artwork for the Alumni Program: “The serpent spirit, who brings water and life to the desert, is symbolised by the wavy black form in Dreamtime. The pink borders represent the vivid sunsets that beautify the landscape, serving as a daily reminder of how beautiful the land is. The sacred waterholes are represented by the green and blue U shapes, where the spirit hand leads the people to refreshment and reconnecting them to their ancestors."

After the graduation event, the Alumni participants travelled to Melbourne to celebrate their achievements together, meet with Shooting Stars partners, and take part in unique cultural and professional experiences. The trip included visits to BHP, Lancôme, Clothing the Gaps, and the Koorie Heritage Trust, as well as attending the AFLW clash between St Kilda and West Coast Eagles.