General Shooting Stars Program Information:

Shooting Stars is a school-based engagement program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women. Working together with host schools, we offer various forms of advocacy, support, opportunities and experiences for program participants.

The Shooting Stars program works to ensure all participants are empowered to drive their own futures. We do this by promoting the growth of confidence, cultural identity, positive relationships and overall health and wellbeing.

Shooting Stars participants Year 7-10 attend weekly Health and Wellbeing sessions, which are scheduled within their class timetables. In addition to these sessions, we sometimes have optional before/after school activities, events, excursions, and camps. We also have the Shooting Stars room open as a culturally safe space for participants to spend their recess and lunch times.

Throughout the year, there are four different enrichment programs delivered during Health & Wellbeing sessions. These include Deadly Minds Matter, Sparks, Art with the Stars, and On Country.

Deadly Minds Matter:
Deadly Minds Matter is about keeping participants strong in mind, body, spirit, family/kin, and culture. We talk about feelings, how to get through tough times, and the importance of staying connected to Country, community, and culture. The girls learn through stories, activities, and yarning. When the program finishes, we have a big community event run by Shooting Stars staff. There’s usually a sports competition and fun activities from local health services, youth programs, and other groups. Families come along to join in, have fun, and celebrate the girls’ achievements.

Sparks:

Sparks helps participants in Years 3 – 9 find what excites them and fuels their passions. This might be sport, art, music, culture, leadership, helping others, or trying something new. The program builds confidence, breaks down feelings of shame, and teaches skills for school and life. Girls are supported by strong role models and positive networks who encourage and believe in them.

Each site runs Sparks in a way that suits their community, with workshops, excursions, clubs, and fun challenges. It ends with our big Time to Shine day, where girls share their achievements. Families and community come together for sports, activities, and a celebration of the girls’ growth.

Art with the Stars:

The Art with the Stars program is an opportunity for participants to engage with local Aboriginal artists and mentors, and connect to Country, Culture and Community through art-making.

Together, participants lead what type of art project they’d like to work on and how they’d like to do it. This includes the art medium, the style, and whether they do individual projects or one big collaborative piece. Throughout the art-making process, there will be yarning and storytelling.

Artwork that the participants produce will be showcased, and together, participants will also have a say in how this looks, whether it’s a big art exhibition event, or a small gathering of family members.

On Country:

On Country gives the girls time to connect with their land, culture, and Elders. Local knowledge holders and community leaders guide the activities, sharing stories, traditions, and skills passed down over generations. It’s a chance to be on Country, feel proud of who they are, and keep culture strong for the future.