WINGs in the Eyre 2022 Cycling Challenge

The Royal Australian Air Force Womens Integrated Networking Groups is a platform in which Air Force women come together for support, mentoring and networking. From 28 May to 5 June 2022, 18 of us are taking part in a cycling challenge where we will ride up to 500km around the Oodnadatta Track in the Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, South Australia. Women spanning different ranks and professions will come together to share experiences, expand our networks and develop leadership, teamwork and resilience skills into our personal and service lives.

 

As our challenge coincides with National Reconciliation Week, we are fundraising for Stars Foundation Limited, a foundation that supports Indigenous girls and young women with their education and transition into work or further study. Every bit counts, and we would really appreciate your support in reaching our fundraising goal.

 

More information about Stars Foundation Limited: Stars Foundation was established in 2015 to address inequity and ensure that young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are provided with the education, opportunities and supports necessary to succeed in education, live healthy and productive lives and be able to make informed choices. Improving education and health outcomes is central to breaking the cycle of poverty and disadvantage experienced by so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. The mission of Stars Foundation is to support and enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women to make active choices towards realising their full potential in all aspects of their development and wellbeing. In 2016 Stars supported around 450 girls who are at risk of not completing school. Full-time mentors provide social, emotional and practical support to the girls to minimise the social and practical barriers they experience that prevent them from achieving at school. The mentors help the girls develop resilience, high aspirations and to believe in themselves and their capacity to contribute positively to society. The Stars Program is based on experience and review of the best available evidence, incorporating positive youth development frameworks, cultural appropriateness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and a gender lens. Many of the benefits of youth mentoring correlate with the teaching of skills that aim to foster resilience and wellbeing, leading to increased social connection, community participation and self-confidence. All outcomes to date have far exceeded targets, including engagement levels, attendance, retention, Year 12 attainment and wellbeing indicators.