Stars Carnival
A Celebration of Sport, Spirit and Connection
Last Wednesday, Stars members from Years 9, 10, and 11 embarked on a journey to Tumut to participate in the highly anticipated annual Stars Senior Carnival. Departing bright and early, the group arrived in Tumut with enthusiasm and energy, ready to embrace the experiences ahead.
Upon arrival, the team quickly set up camp. The afternoon began with interactive ice-breaker activities that brought together approximately 30 young women from various schools across the region. These activities proved invaluable in helping our girls relax, build rapport, and forge new friendships within a spirited and supportive environment.
Following the icebreakers, Tumut Elder Pat Connelly warmly welcomed the participants on behalf of the local community, adding a meaningful cultural connection to the day’s events.
Energised and united, our girls wasted no time diving into the first sporting event: Volleyball. Competing against well-matched teams from Tumut, Moruya, and Albury, our players demonstrated exceptional skill, strategic thinking, and unwavering sportsmanship. Their determination and teamwork paid off, resulting in a well-earned victory that set a positive tone for the remainder of the carnival.
After the triumph, the girls were invited on a tour of the nearby wetlands, where they learned about the local flora and the cultural history of the area. Local Elders shared stories of growing up in Tumut and Brungle, offering valuable advice about school and life beyond.
As daylight faded, the group gathered for a communal dinner filled with stories and laughter. The evening continued with a session of Elders’ bingo and trivia, where everyone enjoyed testing their knowledge and sharing in the fun. Outside, rain fell steadily through the night, adding a cosy atmosphere to the swag camping experience.
Thursday brought further sporting excitement focused on netball. Our team faced strong competition but showed incredible grit and resilience, pushing all the way to the grand finale. Though they narrowly missed out on the championship, the girls’ courage, communication, and commitment shone brightly throughout every match — qualities that defined their performance as much as the scoreboard.
That evening, the team gathered at Tumut Pizzeria for the much-anticipated presentation ceremony, a special moment to celebrate individual and collective achievements. Cadence McDuff received the Volleyball MVP award in recognition of her inspirational leadership and her ability to motivate teammates through every set. Mia Ingram was honoured as the Netball MVP for her confident play, steadfast determination, and unyielding spirit on the court. And most notably, the prestigious Star of the Carnival award was presented to Kylah Bright, who exemplified the Stars values of respect, honesty, commitment, and pride throughout the event. Kylah’s consistently positive attitude, encouragement of others, and readiness to embrace challenges without hesitation made her an inspiring role model for all.
Beyond the competition, the true highlight of the carnival was the strengthening of connections. Our girls not only built new friendships with peers from other Stars programs but also deepened their connections within their own team. The shared experiences of triumphs, setbacks, and personal growth fostered a supportive network that will endure well beyond this event. Together, they embodied the spirit of Stars — a community grounded in respect, mutual support, and the courage to step outside comfort zones.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our participants for their dedication, sportsmanship, and vibrant team spirit. Your enthusiasm made us incredibly proud, and we look forward to watching you continue to grow.
Ms Vivian Christian
Narrandera Stars Program Coordinator