Ten young Indigenous women from regional Western Australia and South Australia have taken their next step towards employment, training and further study after graduating from the 2026 Shooting Stars Alumni Program.
The graduates came together in Perth late last month for a graduation ceremony hosted by WA regional energy provider and long-term Shooting Stars community partner Horizon Power at its Bentley office.
At the event a Welcome to Country was delivered by John McGuire, with graduates Sarah, Jordan and Orianna, sharing their experiences in a panel discussion, reflecting on how the program had influenced their future aspirations and readiness for life beyond school.
Beyond celebrating the graduates' achievements, the event created valuable opportunities for the graduating participants to network with industry representatives, build professional connections and explore future employment and career pathways.
Shooting Stars Operations Manager, Lowana Corley, said the Alumni Program reflected the organisation's commitment to supporting participants beyond school.
"Seeing these young women come through the Shooting Stars program, face complex challenges throughout their schooling years and continue their learning and development after school is truly inspiring," Ms Corley said.
"The Alumni Program creates opportunities for participants to develop work ready skills, improve confidence and create professional networking connections as they work towards their goals.
"We're extremely proud to celebrate the commitment these deadly, positive, young leaders have shown, particularly, over the past 10 weeks and we look forward to seeing where their journeys take them!"
Hailing from Port Hedland, Morawa, Yalgoo, Collie and Whyalla, the graduates voluntarily committed to the 10-week program after finishing school, choosing to invest further in their personal and professional development as they prepare for the next stage of their journeys.
Although Shooting Stars is best known for supporting Indigenous girls and young women throughout their school years, the Alumni Program extends that support beyond year 12 by providing additional pathways support for past participants after they leave school.
Facilitated by delivery partners, Upskill Global, the program brought participants together for twice-weekly online sessions focused on goal setting, career planning, job readiness and personal growth.
Shooting Stars Pathways Coordinator, Talicia Jetta, said the program was designed to support young women as they navigate the transition from school into adulthood.
"While you're at school, you have people around you to guide you, encourage you and help you along the way. Leaving school is a big transition, and having the confidence and skills to navigate what comes next is really important," Ms Jetta said.
"The Alumni Program is about helping young women build their confidence, develop new skills and recognise their own potential, so they feel better equipped to work towards their goals and take on new opportunities.
"What makes this program so special is that these girls have chosen to be here. It's completely voluntary, and they've made the commitment to show up, put themselves out there and see it through. That says a lot about who they are and their willingness to invest in themselves, their future and their personal and professional growth."
Throughout the program, participants completed assignments, took part in group discussions and received practical support tailored to their individual aspirations and pathways, whether that involved employment, apprenticeships, further study or exploring future opportunities.
The program was strengthened by a network of corporate, community and Aboriginal-led organisations, which contributed training, technology, professional development experiences and networking opportunities throughout the 10-week journey.
Each participant received a refurbished laptop through Aboriginal-owned business Danjoo Solutions' Kali Program, helping them stay connected and engaged throughout the course. Upon graduation, became theirs to keep as they look ahead to their next steps in pursuing their goals.
Shooting Stars said for the participating young women, the Alumni Program was another step in their journey beyond school.
They charity said through training, networking, professional development and new experiences, they have continued building towards the futures they want for themselves.
