Shooting Stars participants shared their culture with the West Coast Fever this weekend as they participated in a range of activities centered around the Suncorp Super Netball’s First Nations Round.
The weekend started with a dress blessing by Tina Hayden. West Coast Fever players were presented their dresses by the Shooting Stars girls, who also decorated the match-day shoes for the girls to wear on-court.
Prior to the game at the pre-match function, Shooting Stars participant Dakoda Bolton-Black and Shooting Stars program coordinator, Talicia Jetta, spoke to the room about their experiences with the program.
Bolton-Black, a student Narrogin Senior High School, has been in the program since it launched at her school when she was in year seven. She credits the program with helping her get through the daunting change from primary to high school, and for helping her achieve her goals.
“One of my goals was to be a student councillor, however in year seven I doubted myself so I didn’t take that step. When Shooting Stars finally launched, I spoke to the program coordinator and shared my goals, and she helped me grow my leadership skills and confidence to take that next step”.
The Welcome to Country was performed before tip-off by Dr Richard Walley OAM, who was flanked by Shooting Stars participants and performers who together shared their culture with the audience, both in stadium and those watching at home.
The opportunity for the girls to partake in the match-day activities as a Shooting Stars participant is something program coordinator, Talicia Jetta, thinks is very important.
“It’s amazing that we are able to provide the space for these girls to find their voice, and by us being strong women on our roles it really empowers them to take control of their lives and their community and give back by being a role model, not only for their school but also their families”.
