Kate's story

Hey there

I'm Kate from Partnerships. I'm the National Partnerships Exec, based in our Sydney Hub and I manage partners like Virgin Australia, Speedo, AttCall/Ride for Smiles, Hamilton Island, Amazon plus a mixed bag of other partners and events including the recent Larapinta Trek.

Having come from many (too many) years in advertising, production and marketing, I'm able to use all the skills I gained from this crazy industry and put them to good use in my role at Starlight.

Those that know me, know I love 'variety' - it's the spice of life, and that's most certainly what I get in my role at Starlight. From managing partner engagement plans, budgets and events to organising the production of new Starlight merchandise and other collateral, and even using my design skills with the Canva tool.

In my previous career, we would 'sell purpose' to our clients, ensuring their brands were positioned positively in the minds of their consumer - but to be honest, I found it fake, transactional and inauthentic. They were finding a purpose for commercial reasons only.

Thankfully, the day came where the stars aligned and a role at Starlight raised its happy head. Having a clear and real purpose means everything to me. It gets me out of bed in the morning, especially knowing that what we all do at Starlight is just so meaningful and important to the kids and families we help. What's so special too is that our partners are real, caring and genuinely want to help Starlight and the kids with all their hearts.

This year has ticked all the boxes for me; variety, positivity, active, fun, pride in my work, and most of all - delivers to our purpose. It started with 'Happiness Island' where in partnership with Virgin Australia and Hamilton Island, we took 70 Starlight families to the beauty of Hamilton Island.

So many highlights, of course the joy on the kids' faces, but for me, it was working with an incredible Starlight team - we came together harmoniously to ensure a successful event. We even cried at the airport saying goodbye to each other

Then there was an experience that will stay with me forever - doing the Larapinta Trek with 10 wonderful Starlight donors. It started with an inspirational chat with Dr Lauren and Captain Starlight from Alice Springs hospital, and after four days trekking, we finished with a few well­ earned drinks around a table sharing our highlights.

Yes, we spoke about the stunning landscape and the strong connection to land and people, but it was connections and moments we shared with each other that shone through. Again, it finished in tears with every one of us sharing our 'moment' and crying. We had an age range of 20 to 74, and we all got on like a unified force. Oh, and one of our trekkers was Captain Can-Do's school teacher - what a surprise for both to see each other after so many years.

Then there was the AttCall Ride for Smiles Motorbike Charity Ride... 200 leather-clad bike loving legends, all riding and fundraising to help bring smiles to the kids we support. Captain Starlight was there too offering a little face-painting, although some of the riders came with their own permanent face paint.

If you ride a motorbike, you must ride in the 2024 event - I promise you'll love it! You'll even get to meet the lovable 'Shazza'!

For someone considering a role at Starlight, I would say this... you will never be bored. You will always have fun. You will never stop learning. You will be working alongside some incredible people who are smart, sassy and super supportive. Your personal life will be better for it. It's been eight years for me, and I can honestly say, it's still exciting.

To my point on 'learning and support', I'd have to say the recent 'Voice to Parliament' short course in The Greenhouse was incredibly helpful, along with our ongoing focus on our RAP. This has definitely helped me gain a better understanding and respect for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures.

Given what we do every day, the importance we place on Safeguarding Children and Young People and ensuring all team members are well trained in this area, shows the absolute care Starlight has for the kids we support, ensuring they are happy always - because it's all about the kids and 'Happiness Matters'.

Signing off with a Starlight Salute