Shooting Stars shines brighter with renewed Fortescue partnership

First Nations girls across regional Western Australia will continue to access life-changing opportunities, with Fortescue renewing its partnership with Shooting Stars and the Port Hedland Academy.

Shooting Stars began in Halls Creek as a Netball WA pilot program. Now 10 years on, it supports more than 1,000 First Nations girls and young women across 21 sites in Western Australia and South Australia.

While the program began with a netball focus, and is still part of Netball WA, Shooting Stars has evolved into a holistic social and emotional wellbeing program. By partnering with host schools and providing participants with advocacy, support, opportunities and weekly health and wellbeing sessions, the program focuses on building confidence, engagement at school, celebrating culture, and creating pathways for the future. 

Largely run by First Nations women, Shooting Stars offers safe spaces for participants to connect, learn and grow. The program is place-based and guided by each community it operates within, ensuring it is responsive to local cultures, needs and preferences. Through enrichment programs like Deadly Minds Matter for wellbeing and Art with the Stars for cultural connection and expression, young women are supported to walk proudly in two worlds, honouring their identity while pursuing their goals in education and beyond. 

Recently, the Shooting Stars girls at Hedland Senior High School had the opportunity to learn from West Coast Fever players Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Shanice Beckford and Sunday Aryang who visited Port Hedland to run clinics and activities. The girls engaged with the elite netball players on skill development and heard what it takes to be a star netballer.

Shooting Stars Executive Officer Helen Ockerby said the renewed partnership with Fortescue would help strengthen this important program. 

“Every day we see the impact this program has - not just on the young women, but within their families and communities too. Having Fortescue walk with us means we can keep providing opportunities, pathways and safe spaces for young women to shine,” Ms Ockerby said.

Fortescue Director Approvals, Communities and Environment, Warren Fish, said the company was proud to support the Shooting Stars and see the success of the program. 

“Programs like Shooting Stars show what’s possible when young women are given the chance to thrive. The support they receive not only builds confidence and opportunity but also celebrates culture and identity. We’re honoured to play a part in helping them step into their futures with pride and purpose,” he said.