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Encouraging the next generation to shoot for the stars

Shooting Stars

The next generation of Aboriginal girls and young women will be empowered to enhance their emotional and mental wellbeing through a strengthened partnership between Mineral Resources (MinRes) and Shooting Stars.

Based at 15 host schools across regional and remote Western Australian communities, Shooting Stars supports over 750 Aboriginal girls and women to make informed choices about their education and employment journey.

MinRes’ support of Shooting Stars has now been strengthened through a new four-year commitment as Principal Partner of its Seven Sisters program, which helps participants grow social and emotional wellbeing skills and develop preventative mental health strategies to respond to life’s challenges.

Over 10 weeks, participants attend weekly one-hour sessions and engage in culturally grounded warm-up activities, netball skill development, guided stretching and meditation, and discussions on key wellbeing themes.

Participants celebrate the end of the program with a community netball match, attended by local mental health service providers who guide conversations on ways to break down barriers to accessing mental health services.

A successful pilot of the Seven Sisters program in Narrogin in 2020 saw it introduced to Year 5 and 6 students across all Shooting Stars sites. This year, the program expands further to engage high school students.

MinRes Executive General Manager – Project Development, Joshua Thurlow, said the strengthened partnership with Shooting Stars reflects the positive outcomes its programs continue delivering in regional areas.

“Mineral Resources is proud to be part of the communities where we operate and we’ve been privileged to see firsthand the amazing work Shooting Stars is doing in support of Aboriginal girls and women across regional WA,” Thurlow said.

“Extending our support as Principal Partner of the Seven Sisters program will help Shooting Stars continue guiding young people to build their confidence and knowledge to grow happy and healthy lives.”

Shooting Stars Executive Officer, Fran Haintz, said MinRes’ long-term support will benefit hundreds of young Aboriginal people across Western Australia.

“Shooting Stars takes an evidence-based approach to developing programs that empower Aboriginal girls in regional and remote communities,” Haintz said.

“It’s through programs like Seven Sisters that we can apply evidence, impact and research to challenge the systems and institutions that adversely impact these young people.”

“This year we’re excited to expand the program across regional high schools and thrilled to have Mineral Resources behind our efforts to truly empower Aboriginal girls and women.”

MinRes is committed to meaningful partnerships that deliver positive community contributions through capacity-building in the not-for-profit and charitable sectors.

Our support centres around health and wellbeing, employment and education, community programs, clubs and schools in regional areas, and organisations that make a positive difference to local communities.

Feature image: Hedland Senior High School student Jackie Powdrill participates in the Seven Sisters program, facilitated by Shooting Stars.