29 April 2025

Whitehaven contributes $50,000 to establish Stars Foundation and support Indigenous girls at Gunnedah High School

Local Indigenous girls have jumped at the chance to participate in the Stars Foundation’s acclaimed mentoring program, which was launched at Gunnedah High School in term one this year with the help of a $50,000 contribution from Whitehaven.

Gunnedah High School and the Stars Foundation have already welcomed 88 students across Years 7 to 12 in its first term, and this is expected to continue to grow.

The Stars Foundation is a nationally recognised mentoring initiative that supports Indigenous girls and young women to remain engaged in school, complete Year 12, and successfully transition into further education, training or employment. Established in 2015, the Stars Foundation supports and mentors around 4,000 Indigenous girls and young women in 67 primary and secondary schools across Australia.

Through full-time, in-school mentoring, the program provides a culturally safe and supportive environment tailored to each student’s academic and personal development needs. Activities range from academic support and personal growth to cultural enrichment, leadership opportunities and community engagement.

Whitehaven’s NSW Indigenous engagement team recently met with Darren Monte, Relieving Executive Principal at Gunnedah High School, Stars Foundation Program Coordinator Enja Ryan, and Chennelle Winsor.

Mr Monte said Whitehaven’s contribution was profound in setting up the program locally and ensuring students have access to the resources and guidance they need to succeed.

“Whitehaven’s investment in our students and community is a significant step toward creating stronger pathways for our young Aboriginal women, empowering them to thrive academically, socially, and culturally.

“By supporting the Stars Foundation, Whitehaven is helping us provide essential mentoring, cultural engagement, and personal development opportunities that will positively influence the learning outcomes of Indigenous students at Gunnedah High School.

“This support ensures that our students grow in confidence, develop their skills, and build connections, enabling them to become strong and contributing citizens within Gunnedah and the surrounding community.”

Whitehaven Executive General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Michael van Maanen, said the company is proud to support initiatives that create meaningful, long-term benefits.

“Empowering young people through education is at the heart of our commitment to supporting local Indigenous communities and one of the most powerful ways we can create a better future,” he added.

“We’re proud of the positive impact we’ve had on young Indigenous men in the region through our long-term partnership with the Clontarf Foundation, and we’re excited to see young Indigenous women experience those same benefits via the Stars Foundation.

“We strive for outcomes that drive intergenerational change, whether it be through working with partner organisations like Clontarf and the Stars Foundation, our well-recognised employment strategy, or other initiatives across procurement, health and wellbeing

“The Stars Foundation is doing exceptional work across Australia, and we’re proud to play a role in bringing the program to Gunnedah. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on students, their families and the broader community.”

The Stars Foundation has achieved outstanding outcomes that exceed national averages for Indigenous students. 92% of Stars students complete Year 12, compared to the national Indigenous average of 65%, with 85% successfully transitioning into work or further study. Attendance rates are also better than national figures, with Stars students attending school at a rate of 78%, above the 68% average.

To learn more about the Stars Foundation, visit starsfoundation.org.au.

Whitehaven invests in programs that support and empower communities through partnerships across education and training, healthcare and sponsorship of representative-level sport. In FY24, we donated $1.25 million in corporate community partnerships and donations, including $250,000 to Indigenous organisations.

Check out our 2024 NSW Community Investment Report to learn more.

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