The power of belonging

How Stars Foundation is creating opportunities for First Nations young women

Through culturally informed mentoring and trusted relationships, Stars Foundation supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women to strengthen their connection to culture, pursue their aspirations and shape their futures.

When Jayharnie Strahan changed schools during Year 11, she knew where she wanted to go. Having participated in the Stars Foundation Program at Heatley Secondary College in Townsville, she chose Thuringowa State High School because Stars was there too.

The familiar support helped her settle in, make friends and continue working towards Year 12. Her Stars Mentors, Monica and Emma, were there with encouragement, practical help and the occasional hard truth.

Jayharnie’s experience reveals the value of relationships that young people can rely on as their circumstances and ambitions evolve. It also reflects the Stars Foundation philosophy, which brings cultural identity, belonging, wellbeing and education together to create opportunities for First Nations young women.

An opportunity for equal participation

Stars Foundation was established in 2015 to address a significant gap in educational support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women, who had few opportunities to access dedicated school-based mentoring programs available to boys.

Founder and CEO Andrea Goddard had spent almost a decade helping establish school-based programs for boys when girls and young women began asking why similar opportunities weren’t available to them.

Their questions inspired an organisation dedicated to improving education, health and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women.

Working with First Nations leaders, Andrea established Stars with an Indigenous-led Board and a mentoring model grounded in cultural understanding, individual strengths and trusted relationships.

A decade later, Stars supports thousands of young women across Australia, working closely with families, Elders, communities and schools to help participants pursue their own goals.

Relationships at the heart of learning

Stars Foundation places full-time Mentors in partner schools, providing consistent, culturally informed support throughout the school day.

Each participant develops an individual Stars Plan reflecting her strengths, interests and aspirations, supported by activities spanning education, employment, healthy lifestyles, wellbeing, culture and leadership.

This might involve help with schoolwork, exploring career opportunities, connecting with Elders or participating in cultural activities. Dedicated Stars Rooms also offer welcoming spaces where young women can connect with peers, seek guidance and strengthen their sense of belonging.

By bringing together educational, personal and cultural support, Stars recognises the many dimensions of young women’s lives and the different pathways they may choose.

Growing together and going places

Hand Heart Pocket partners with Stars Foundation to support approximately 160 First Nations young women across Heatley Secondary College, Pimlico State High School and Thuringowa State High School in Townsville.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to greater economic equity and opportunity for young people, supporting a mentoring model that connects education, wellbeing and cultural identity with future aspirations.

Across Australia, Stars is demonstrating encouraging results. In 2025, the Foundation supported more than 4,000 young women, with average school attendance of 78%, compared with 67% for First Nations students across its partner schools.

In Townsville, school attendance averaged 88% in the first half of 2026, exceeding the national average reported for 2025. The programs also achieved a 97% Year 12 completion rate in 2025, while 80% of their 2024 graduates successfully transitioned into employment, further education or training. Behind these figures are young women pursuing diverse interests, developing their capabilities and making decisions about their futures.

Supporting young women to forge their own paths

For Jayharnie, completing Year 12 in 2025 opened the door to new experiences. She joined the Gudjuda Ranger Program, earning a Certificate I in Ecosystem Management while learning on Country and developing practical skills. Exploring different pathways, she also secured a position as a Parts Interpreter at Mike Carney Toyota in Townsville.

Now building her career, Jayharnie is enjoying the independence of employment and saving for an adventure around Australia. She credits Monica and Emma’s consistent encouragement with helping her complete school and take her next steps.

Other Stars Graduates are pursuing different ambitions. Serengeti and Jayna, who completed Year 12 at Pimlico State High School in 2023, went on to study at James Cook University, choosing biomedical science and nursing respectively.

Their experiences highlight the value of supporting young women to explore their interests and make their own choices, with trusted relationships continuing to provide encouragement as they move beyond school.

A foundation for future generations

In its first decade, Stars Foundation has supported more than 1,300 Alumnae, contributing to a growing community of First Nations women pursuing careers, further education and leadership opportunities.

For Hand Heart Pocket, the partnership demonstrates the potential of investing in young people’s strengths and aspirations, with benefits that can extend well beyond their school years.

As Stars continues to grow, its focus remains on expanding opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women, strengthening cultural connections and supporting their individual ambitions.

For Jayharnie, that future includes developing her career, discovering new places and exploring life beyond Townsville. With her first job underway and plans to travel around Australia, she’s already making it happen.

About Stars Foundation

Stars Foundation provides holistic, school-based support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women across Australia. Through dedicated full-time Mentors and welcoming Stars Rooms, its culturally informed, strengths-based programs bring together practical assistance, education, health, wellbeing, and cultural connection, while supporting young women into further study, training and employment.

Hand Heart Pocket partners with Stars Foundation to support programs in Townsville, Queensland.

Learn more at starsfoundation.org.au